Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho
General Secretary, NBCC
What is considered eminently “important legislation” taken by the Assam "Cabinet,” as claimed by the Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma, may be considered one of the most insensitive acts of religious bigotry. If maintaining the status quo is the order of the day, targeting a certain religious group is most unfortunate. Over and over again, Christians in the country are accused of using its activities for the purpose of inducing unwilling converts into their fold. It is unfortunate that such a statement is uttered by a respectable personality who is looked up-to to pull the region together on all fronts.
The use of highly professional terminology without proper definition has caused suspicions in the minds of Christians in the region. To accuse Christians of its healing ministry as a means of converting the tribals is discriminatory in nature. If what is done to serve humanity is considered a threat to others, how do we co-exist peacefully in our diversity?
The healing ministry of the church from a professional standpoint has come a long way. It has been the calling of Christians to provide care and compassion to every section of society. This attestation can be seen in the Christian hospitals in the country and beyond, which provide affordable health care to every section of the population regardless of caste and religion. Therefore, to come up with such legislation in any state is not only discriminatory but also vindictive.
The region has peacefully co-existed for centuries. We are an inter-dependent region. The country has seen this beauty, and we are an example and an envy to others. And to play the politics of division like mainland India in this corner of the country will surely disturb the peaceful coexistence among the people. We are all important parts of each other. Our diversities, be it culture, social practices, or, for that matter, religious beliefs and faith practices, should be seen as a contributing factor to our unity in diversity and not otherwise. Our connection is not only territorial but, most importantly, socio-political, cultural, and religious. Our roots of existence as different states are only on the surface and are artificial. The socio-political relationship is indispensable beneath the surface. The religio-cultural relationships are not superficially intertwined but are thoroughly entwined. Only love and respect can make our region stronger, and the beauty of peaceful coexistence can be made more prominent.
If there is anything needed in the region, it is to boost confidence in the minds of the people so that people of different religious groups can coexist peacefully through respect and mutual understanding. And in order for this to happen, a deliberate conversation must take place without any suspicion.
Our connections do not mean that we are the same in every aspect. Our religious practices are different—the way we worship, pray, and act—as are others, such as our priorities. We live and act not according to our own selfish gains but according to our faith. However, resistance through legislation or suppression targeting a particular group of religious faiths or groups would amount to a constitutional violation.
Cultural and religious practices and what we hold dear to our hearts when infringed upon will lead to uneasy disharmony.
Accusations and finger-pointing at religious acts and practices will lead to uneasy distancing. And we must not allow that to happen in the region. We must continue to build trust and confidence in each other, surely through proper conversation. To ban healing in order to “curb evangelism” is a direct attack on the Christian community, which is most unfortunate for a respectable leader in the region to utter it with pride and consider it “very important legislation.”
The NBCC asserts that any discriminatory statement referring to any community of faith or ethnic group in the region cannot be considered “important.” Any legislation must be logical and sensitive to the diverse socio-ethnic and religious-cultural spectrum of the region.
There is an uneasy feeling of superiority complex and tactics to suppress the minority religious group in the country. Christians are beginning to feel this wave in the region lately. The matter is made worse when educational institutions are targeted by those who think they have the backing of those in authority. This is unfortunate; the region must be grateful to the educational institutions run by the church. In many ways, we are what we are today because of these institutions. One can imagine what we would be like had there been no such dedicated institutions in this most neglected part of the country. The contributions the church has made must be acknowledged rather than taken as a threat.
Signs and symbols should not be seen as a threat but as a distinction of commitment and dedication to one’s faith in their service to humanity. Educational institutions of any religion have their own distinctiveness, which must be respected. It must remain an open option for anyone and not be seen as a threat.
The state of Assam has been, in fact, like the big brother in many ways for the region. Assam is the face of North East India. Smaller states in the region look up to Assam like its big brother. When insecurity is created in Assam, the negative reaction will be felt all over the region.
Let us not forget the interconnectedness of the region. We have existed not only as neighbors but also as friends, tending to each other’s needs. Allow the region to think big about Assam and what it has meant to the region and can be. Assam can lead the way in building confidence among the religious minority with respect. Let us appreciate the diversity of religious practices that have existed for many centuries.
