Appointment of Christian Member in Minority Commission

Christian Council Welcomes Manipur Government’s Appointment of Christian Member in Minority Commission

Imphal, April 21, 2011: All India Christian Council (aicc) welcomes Manipur government’s appoint of a Christian member representative in the state minority commission. The appointment of the member in the commission will help service the welfare of the Christian minorities in the state.

 The Manipur government has appointed Rev. N. Debendra Singh as the Christian representative member of the state commission for minorities on April 1, 2011 for a three year term. Dr. M. S. Ningombam was also appointed as the Buddhist representative for the same term. The state commission for minorities will have A. Halim Choudhury, retired IAS, as Chairman and Rev. N. Debendra Singh and Dr. M. S. Ningombam as members.

 Dr. Joseph D’souza, aicc President, while welcoming the appointment, said, “This is a long awaited and much needed appointment by the Manipur government. Now the appointment of the representative from Muslim, Christian and Buddhist communities to the state minorities commission will serve each communities’ welfare better.”

 The appointment of the Christian member to the minority commission came after the request and recommendation of the Christian Council. Dr. John Dayal, aicc Secretary General, and Rev. Madhu Chandra, aicc Public Relation Officer and Spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline, made a representation to Manipur Chief Secretary about the need of Christian representation in the commission in September last year.

 Dr. John Dayal said, “Manipur in recent times has experienced a high level of human rights violations against Christian minorities. The appointment of the Christian member in the commission will help the state provide and protect the religious freedom and fundamental rights to all communities, particularly the minority Christian members.”

 Rev. N. Debendra Singh serves as Vice-President of aicc’s Manipur chapter and is currently part way into a four year term. He also holds the position of Vice-President of the All Manipur Meitei Christian Minority Forum. He also served with the Meitei Baptist Association for 15 years as Youth Secretary and Executive Secretary until he retired in 2008.

 The All India Christian Council  birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders. --Shel Khalling