Christian body calls for harmony, peaceful Xmas

LUCKNOW: In view of a fringe group's threat in Aligarh and disruptions of pre-Christmas celebration events in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, pastors and representatives of Christian community have appealed for allowing peaceful celebrations and have decided to hold special prayers on Christmas for communal harmony.
Uttar Pradesh Masihi Association (UPMA), the umbrella association comprising of all major diocese across the state, has issued an appeal stating that Christmas celebrations should be held peacefully as has been going on for years.
Meanwhile, the UP Police chief has directed all district heads to ensure that Christmas and New Year celebrations are not disrupted in any way. "We have directed the district police chiefs across the state to ensure that Christmas and New Year celebrations are not disrupted in any way," said DGP Sulkhan Singh. He said strict action will be initiated against those who try to disrupt peace and tranquility in any form.
The appeals comes in the backdrop of a threat issued by a fringe group in Aligarh against holding Christmas celebrations, besides the arrest of carol singers in Satna, MP, and disruption of an event at Pratapgarh in Rajasthan.
UPMA secretary RK Chattree said, "We were apprehensive but were relieved when the CM responded immediately, assuring us that there will be no hindrance in the celebrations," he said.
As many as 30 priests were detained in Satna on December 14 and accused of attempting religious conversion. On December 20, a function was disrupted in Pratapgarh, Rajasthan and the organizers were blamed of not taking permission from the administration. However, those detained were released after sometime.
Taking serious note of Hindu Jagran Manch activists in Aligarh issuing threat to disrupt Christmas celebrations in school if non-Christian students were made to participate, the state police has stepped up vigil around Christmas pageant venues.