Badal calls upon christians to maintain amity

Chandigarh, Sep 23 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today appealed to members of the Christian community to exercise maximum restraint in trying circumstances and give a befitting reply to anti-social elements.

Addressing representatives of different Christian organizations from across the state, who met him at Punjab Bhawan here, he said that there had been unfortunate incidents of attempt to disturb peace and communal harmony in various parts of the country.

He, however, said that allout social efforts were needed to safeguarde peace and amity in the country which was already facing threats to its secular and sovereign character.

Mr Badal assured them that the State Government was committed to ensure religious freedom to every section of the society to enable them to profess their religion or faith without any sense of fear, insecurity or subjugation.

He called upon the people, belonging to different communities, to strengthen the social fabric of country by displaying the age-old ethos of understanding and good-will as preached by our great gurus, saints and seers.

Mr Badal underscored the need for religious tolerance, magnanimity and unity in the larger interest of society. He urged them to maintain peace, amity, and communal harmony at all costs in the society.

Earlier, Munwar Mashi, President of the Punjab Christian Front and Member of State Advisory Committee on Minority Affairs, apprised the Chief Minister about the grievances of the Christian community.

He urged Mr Badal to give due representation to the representatives of different Christian organizations in the administrative and political set up to instill a feeling of security and belongingness amongst the Christian community.

UNI VKJ MMS2052