Indigenous Rights Group Opposes Christian Prayer Service at Meghalaya University Inauguration
Seinraij Jowai, an indigenous rights organization in Meghalaya, has voiced strong opposition to the state government’s plan to hold a Christian prayer service during the inauguration of the state’s first university, Captain Williamson Sangma State University. The controversy emerged after Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma defended the religious ceremony, stating, “If the Parliament can be blessed with Hindu rituals, why not a Christian ritual in a Christian state?” This remark has sparked sharp criticism from the indigenous rights group, which argues that referring to Meghalaya as a “Christian state” undermines the region’s indigenous heritage.
In a press release, Seinraij Jowai emphasized that Meghalaya’s indigenous faiths were the only belief systems present during the pre-British era, asserting that the region’s deep-rooted cultural identity is rooted in its indigenous traditions. The group pointed to traditional festivals such as Behdienkhlam, Chad Sukra, and Shad Suk Mynsiem as examples of the state’s rich indigenous cultural practices.
Seinraij Jowai also cited constitutional principles, particularly Articles 25 and 26, which protect religious freedom. The organization argued that government-sponsored religious ceremonies, like the planned Christian prayer service, violate the secular nature of the Indian state. Referencing the Supreme Court’s 1994 S.R. Bommai case, the group stressed that India has remained a secular nation since its formation and that government-sponsored religious events go against the country’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
The group warned that such religious practices within official government functions could be seen as a breach of the right to religious freedom. “Running of any Official Program of the Government or even decorating Office Buildings and celebrating Festivals of one particular Religion within the Government Office Premises is an arrogation and a breach of Right to Religious Freedom,” the statement read.
While the organization acknowledged the Meghalaya government’s efforts in education and development, Seinraij Jowai’s president, Hercules Toi, and general secretary, Arwotki Sumer, have called for the intervention of the Chief Minister to ensure that indigenous religious practices are respected and to maintain religious harmony within the state. The controversy continues to unfold as the inauguration date approaches.
