In a call for “independence”, sect of Christians burns Hindu idols, tricolor in Mizoram
In a rare incidence of fanaticism in Mizoram, members of a newly emerging section of Christianity have recently set ablaze a Hindu idol and the tricolour flag of India. And amid escalating threats of communal violence across India, the state’s police covered up the incident to avoid a mass outrage. With the incident taking place on 21st September at Lunglei district of Mizoram, it came to light days after local media reported it after a video depicting the act got circulated on social media.
The Lunglei district’s Superintendent of Police, Kime said, “We took care to keep it secret because we wanted to prevent any flare-up. The incident also has the potential to present the peace-loving Mizo people in a wrong manner.”
In the video which got circulated in social networking sites, a man wearing a white robe was seen shouting slogans against Hinduism and India, while a group of people chorused him. While the group, comprising mostly of teenagers, were wearing traditional Mizo attire, one boy in the video was seen holding a large white cross in his hand.
In an appeal for the support of more number of people, the man wearing the white robe was heard shouting, “We have long been under the Hindus. We have long been under India. Now, we want to declare ourselves independent.”
While the man in the video was seen setting ablaze a Hindu idol, another boy from the group burned the tricolour. According to the police, the man seen in the white robe is identified as Lalrinawma, who self-proclaims himself as a Christian preacher.
“The remaining six persons are young boys aged between 9 to 23. This new sect has emerged only a couple of months ago. The followers and the preachers of this new sect travel around and spread hatred for Hinduism and India,” said Kime.
As reported by Firstpost, sources claimed that such incidence is not the first of its kind in Mizoram. Moreover, proud of their action, the alleged group admitted to their earlier crimes as well. Reportedly, Lalrinawma even tried to bury himself alive, a few months back, with a strong belief that he will get back to life like Jesus did according to the Bible.
“They are fanatics who are in the illusion that they are devoted to the cause of God. He asked the villagers to bury him. But none co-operated with him in fear that they would be prosecuted if the person died. Hindus are a minority in Mizoram. Any attempt to hurt their sentiments will damage the social fabric of the state,” said Kime.