Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): The Catholic Association of Nagaland, CAN appreciated the Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for what it termed as the latter’s zero tolerance on religious intolerance in the state. During a meeting with the CAN delegation this afternoon, the CM expressed his dismay over the 9th July incident wherein a catholic church was pulled down at Anatongre village under Kiphire district. This was stated in a press note issued by Deo Dukru President and Letgong Patrick, Joint Secretary CAN.
Terming the incident as unfortunate, Rio asserted that such incident should not have happened in a secular State like Nagaland. The CM maintained that every Naga citizen is free to follow any religion of one’s choice as traditionally protected by our customary laws as well as guaranteed by the Constitution of the country. Rio asserted that the incident is a violation of the law of the land.
The CM reportedly summoned the area MLA, Mr. Torechu in the meeting and asked him to make the people of Anatongre village understand and bring them to a compromise at the earliest or “they will have to face action from the Government”. Informing that he had received the detailed report of the incident from DC Kiphire, the CM said he had already discussed the matter with the Home Minister for early resolution of the problem. According to the CAN, the CM informed that he would also be writing to the NBCC in this regard. Mr. Rio further suggested that he would send government representatives to the spot if situation so demands. Later, the delegation also called on the Speaker and apprised him of the situation.
