Guwahati: Churches in Assam have assured Assam’s new chief minister their community’s continued cooperation for the progress and development of the northeastern Indian state and its people.

A delegation of leaders from various Christian denominations in Assam led by Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati met Sarbananda Sonwal at his office on June 16.

The delegation highlighted the works the Churches have done in the field of education, health, social service, Peace building, skills development and research.

Sonwal, appreciated the Church’s works and pointed out that he was a student of Don Bosco High School, Dibrugarh, a major town in eastern Assam. The chief minister also said he owes large amount of his success to his alma mater.

The chief minister requested the Church leaders’ prayers for his success. The delegation assured him and prayed for him in his office before leaving.

Other members in the delegation were Rev. Solomon Rongpi, General Secretary, Council of Baptist Churches North East India, Bishop Michael Herenze and Rev. A. Daimary of the Church of North India, Amrit Goldsmit of Assam Christian Forum and Allen Brooks, a Catholic lay leader and spokesperson of Assam Christian Forum and Joint Peace Mission Team.

Sonowal heads Assam’s first government by the Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian people’s party) considered the political arm of Hindu rightwing groups. The party heads the federal coalition government.