Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 10
While echoing the value of living in harmony, leaders of different minority groups in Dimapur said that Nagaland is one of the peaceful and safest states for religious minorities in India.
They were speaking at the 9th North East Youth Peace and Cultural Festival organized by Peace Channel in collaboration with People’s Forum for Peace which kick started today at DBDL Hall, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Dimapur campus.
Speaking on the occasion representing the Muslim community, Ahidur Rehman asserted that Nagaland is the most “peaceful" State in India. “You separate the political problem out of society and see whether there is any other problems or not. People are all united,” he added. Fundamentalists are present in every religion but the sane people should overcome their influences, he maintained further advocating inter-faith interaction by suggesting visitation of each other's religious institutions to bring about better understanding and enabling peace and harmony.
Rehman's assertion was affirmed by HS Aluwalia, speaking on behalf of the Sikh community. He said that the State, devoid of any religious riots, was most peaceful.
“When Muslim or Sikhs or other minorities were targeted elsewhere, it remained largely unaffected and we feel safe and live without any disturbances in the state,” he added. Come and see how people live in harmony in Nagaland, he asserted.
Meanwhile, KK Paul, representing the Hindu community said in every religion, superstition should be exorcised with rationality and spirituality. "Peace will come from the heart. When you are truly religious, there is no hate but only love," he added, ardently calling for humanism as the main criteria for religion.
“If you love your religion, you can love other religion too.”
Historically religion is ‘used’ to create violence, Fr. Chacko said. "Religion is simply human seeing divinity of God. We Identify God in many forms, Learn to appreciate the differences," he added.
Rev. RP Murry said selfishness divides us though we are one in Genesis. “We must recognize and honor each religion, but practically we could not do so as we are not ‘pucca’ religious.”
Representing the Jain community, Ajay Sethi said that dogmatism and divisive mentality often act as a stumbling block for harmony. We must first try to become a good human being, he added.
The festival began with lighting of peace lamp by leaders from different religious community.
