Shillong, January 23: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has strongly condemned the recent attack on Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik in Odisha, describing it as a “grave violation of the constitutional rights guaranteed to every citizen of India” and a blow to the country’s pluralistic ethos.
The incident, in which the pastor was allegedly assaulted, forced to eat cow dung and made to chant religious slogans, has drawn sharp reactions across party lines. Sangma said repeated attacks on Christians tarnish India’s diverse cultural and religious fabric and urged the Odisha government to ensure a thorough investigation and swift, decisive action against those responsible.
Meanwhile, the National People’s Party (NPP) has formally sought the intervention of Mohan Charan Majhi in the matter. In a letter dated January 22, NPP National Working President James K. Sangma expressed deep concern over the alleged mob violence in Dhenkanal district on January 4 and the public humiliation of Pastor Naik.
The letter underscored that India’s strength lies in its constitutional values, where faith is a matter of individual conscience and disputes must be resolved strictly through lawful means. It warned that mob violence targeting individuals for their religious beliefs corrodes the rule of law and risks creating fear and mistrust among communities, urging the Odisha government to uphold justice and due process.
Adding to the criticism, Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi described the reported attack as a troubling reminder of the growing threats to India’s pluralistic and inclusive social fabric. He also raised concerns over alleged lapses in the police response during the incident.
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According to the pastor’s family, Gogoi said, despite urgent calls for help during the assault, the police allegedly prioritised procedural formalities over immediate intervention. Calling this “equally disturbing,” he urged a prompt and thorough probe, stressing that accountability must be fixed not only for the perpetrators but also for any administrative failures.
