Rev Dr V K Nuh
My attention was drawn when I read the resolution of the RSS calling upon the civil societies to “Thwart the separatist designs of the churches who are propagating a two-nation theory.” This is not the first time but on several occasions Hindutva campaigns have had false accusations against the Christians in North-East India.
Now, almost 80 years have elapsed since Naga people submitted a Memorandum to the British Empire “Reformed Scheme led by Simon Commission in 1929” that Nagas should be left alone to determine for themselves as in ancient times. Right after the World War II, Naga people unitedly stood against the British Colonialism. As Great Britain decided to give up her crown in Asia, Naga people hoisted their independence flag one-day ahead of the Indian Independence. But Indian government refused to recognize the Naga sovereignty. Thereby, a Plebiscite was conducted and as a result 99.99% Nagas gave their thumb impression in 1951. Therefore, there is no question of Church instigating a two-nation theory.
It was very unfortunate that the Government of India suspected American missionaries instigating the Naga National Movement, which prompted the Indian government to eventually drive away all the missionaries. No missionary was left in Naga inhabited area by 1954. Above all, no foreigners were allowed to come to Nagaland even on humanitarian services. Therefore, there is no question of getting outside help, which the Indians have accused that millions of dollars are pouring in to Nagaland to help insurgencies. Rather during those days, not even a spoonful of service was rendered to the Naga people from foreign relief agencies not to speak about funds for developmental activities but surprisingly, a number of charges have been leveled against the Christians by the RSS of the Hindutva. However, according to the Fact Finding Committee led by Dinesh Singh (report given in August Session Parliament of 1980), “The tribal’s basic problem as found in the North East region as a whole is that, tribals no longer feel secure in their own homeland and are fearful to dominations and exploitations by outsiders in every respect.”
Again in All Hindu Conferences held at Lucknow on May 16, 1981, a resolution was made alleging that foreign missions are aiming to create a feeling of hatred against the Hindu religion, culture and society among the hill tribes and also generating a feeling to have separate state as a Christian homeland. They further alleged that millions of dollars are poured in, to encourage anti-national activities threatening the unity and integrity of India. Dr. M.M. Thomas was the only Christian Governor in Nagaland since the very inception of Nagaland state. Dr. M.M. Thomas was dismissed with false accusation saying that he encouraged missionaries in Nagaland and has links with superpowers to promote religion and communal tensions (Press Conference, Delhi - 19/4/1992). Just two years back in 2003, Hindutva accused Christians in North East India that Christians are forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity.
Yet all through these false accusations, no Christian protested against the Hindutva. By principle, Christianity can never force anyone to become a Christian. It all depends on the individual and on the individual’s decision alone. Christian faith does not go against one’s conscience. A person is free to decide one’s own beliefs. There is Human Rights and Fundamental Constitutional Rights to propagate one’s own faith. Therefore, if RSS can find out any fact and prove their false accusations to the Christians then we shall be happy to admit our shortcomings.
(The writer is General Secretary Council of Naga Baptist Churches Nagaland, Kohima)
