Shillong : The Meghalaya unit of the BJP organised a prayer meeting in Shillong on Friday for three church leaders who were killed in violence-hit Manipur, while party leaders strongly condemned the continuing bloodshed and appealed for peace and harmony.

The prayer service was held under the guidance of Meghalaya BJP President Rikman G Momin. During the gathering, prayers were offered for the souls of Reverend Vumthang Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.

According to party leaders, the congregation prayed that the departed souls would be granted eternal peace “at the feet of our Merciful Lord.”

The prayer service was led by State BJP Vice President Khrawboklang Basaiawmoit, who reminded the gathering about the teachings of Jesus Christ centred on love and forgiveness.

He stated that the message of Christ remains humanity’s only remedy at a time when the world continues to descend into “hatred, bloodshed and revenge.”

State BJP Chief Spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang urged party workers and members across Meghalaya to pray daily for the people affected by the violence in Manipur.

He appealed to every BJP member in the state to spend at least a minute every day praying for those who continue to suffer because of the ongoing unrest.

Strongly condemning the killings, Kharkrang said Meghalaya has remained a haven of peace and harmony and stressed that communal harmony must be protected at all costs.

He also encouraged greater understanding among communities through participation in each other’s cultural and religious festivals.

BJP leader Fenela Lyngdoh Nonglait described the killings as “a crime against humanity” and said the incident had shocked people across the country.

She prayed for peace and calm to return to Manipur and expressed hope that those responsible for the killings would be arrested and brought to justice at the earliest.