Calls for reaffirmation of secular democracy
Kohima, December 27 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) issued a statement on December 24 last, condemning what it described as a “growing concern” of persecution against Christians in India. In a statement issued by Rev Dr Mar Pongener, General Secretary, and Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary of Social Concern, NBCC expressed deep distress over reported incidents of “religious extremists” targeting Christians and disrupting church services.
“The persecution of Christians in India isn’t a one-off incident,” the council asserted. It highlighted the contradiction between these attacks and India’s constitutional ethos, noting, “India's constitution proudly upholds secularism, making these attacks all the more unacceptable.”
NBCC pointed to “divisive forces” such as the “Hindutva ideology, UCC and anti-conversion bills” as factors “disturbing the citizen’s harmony in India.” It raised concern over “the silence of the powers that be, allowing religious hate speeches and mass murder campaigns within their political jurisdiction.”
“When many of the country’s lawmakers, politicians and bureaucrats have studied in Christian institutions, it is unimaginable for Christians to be treated as minorities, marginalized and receiving step-motherly treatment,” it noted.
The NBCC called for a reaffirmation of democratic values. “India must not forget that democracy can be innovative and resourceful.”
“It must insure personal freedom of expression, equality of all persons before the law and freedom of all people from discrimination on grounds of religion, colour or race,” it urged. The Council also remarked, “Though India is still a nascent democracy, by and large it can improve when we leave our moral and intellectual turpitude for amelioration.”
“The Nagaland Baptist Church Council vehemently condemns any form of persecution in India, and we stand in solidarity with the oppressed and victims of religious persecution,” it concluded.
