Christianity is spiritual, not a threat: Meghalaya's Jaiñtia National Council's chief responds to BJP leader’s remarks

Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) president Sambormi Lyngdoh on Friday strongly defended Christianity and asserted the constitutional rights of Christians in India, responding to recent remarks by BJP leader Sunil Deodhar that allegedly targeted the Christian faith during a speech in the Khasi Hills.

Addressing a press conference, Lyngdoh said Christianity should not be misrepresented or politicised, stressing that it is fundamentally a spiritual belief centred on Jesus Christ and not an earthly or political ideology. He said Christianity teaches love, free will and peace, and forceful conversion goes against the core teachings of Christ.

Lyngdoh emphasised that Christians respect all religions in India and expect the same respect in return. “Just because we are Christians does not mean we are not Indians,” he said, adding that Christians are governed by the same Constitution, laws and rights as all other citizens of the country.

Referring to biblical scriptures, Lyngdoh said Christianity has historically faced persecution but has endured because it is based on faith and spiritual conviction rather than coercion or power. He said opposing or targeting Christians amounts to misunderstanding the faith, which promotes sacrifice, love and coexistence, not conflict.

He also cautioned against attempts to divide indigenous tribal communities on religious lines, stating that the unity of tribes is rooted in shared land, culture and identity, not religion. “Many leaders within the JNC are not Christians, yet we stand united as one people,” he said.

Addressing Hindu organisations, including the RSS, Lyngdoh urged them to refrain from portraying Christianity as a threat. He reiterated that Christianity does not oppose any religion and seeks peaceful coexistence. “Every faith seeks God in its own way. No one has the right to define or undermine another person’s belief,” he said.

Concluding his statement, Lyngdoh appealed for mutual respect among all religious communities and urged society to uphold unity, peace and constitutional values. He said Christianity teaches believers to love even their enemies and reject violence, asserting that faith should never be used as a tool for division.

The press conference comes amid growing debate in Meghalaya over religious identity, freedom of belief and political rhetoric targeting minority communities.