Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, a conglomerate of 16 state churches, on Saturday appealed to all churches across the state to hold mass prayers on April 5 or 6 in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and Assembly byelection.

Committee chairman Rev. Lalhmingthanga told The Telegraph that the church body appealed to all members to pray for peaceful conduct of polls and to vote for a candidate who will give priority to the safety of Mizoram, its people and their religion.

The committee also appealed to all political parties and the public to respect the appeal, he said.

He said prayers would be held across the state either on April 5 or 6 depending on the convenience of local churches.

Mizoram is gearing up for election to the lone Lok Sabha seat and Assembly byelection to Aizawl West-I seat, which will be held simultaneously on April 11.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the committee appealed to all contesting political parties to refrain from canvassing by offering money, hiring militants, intimidation or cheating and help enable voters to cast their votes freely.

The statement urged the political parties as well as groups not to campaign along ethnic lines or in a manner which could tarnish the unity among various sections of society and churches.

The committee also appealed to political parties and individual voters not to engage in mud-slinging politics and abusive remarks to avoid violence.

The committee urged elected candidates to execute responsibilities, work for the state rather than just the party and to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

The Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee has become an influential Church body and has on many occasions acted as a mediator between the state government and civil society groups or student bodies in the event of differences.

More than 7.8 electorates will exercise their franchise in the upcoming polls.

The last date for filing nominations is March 25, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 28. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be held on March 26 and counting of votes would be undertaken on May 23 along with other states.