Adopt resolutions in response to the call made by NBCC on clean election:
• Common effort towards clean electoral roll
• Condemn any form of bribery, violence and underage voting
• Not to hinder any individual but encourage every citizen to exercise their franchise
Tseminyu, October 28 (MExN): The Council of Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC) conducted seminar for the Rengma leaders on clean election on October 22 at Bethel Baptist Church, Tseminyu Town. During this seminar, all the Rengma leaders from the churches, Rengma Hoho, Rengma Mothers’ Association, Rengma GB Association and other frontal organization participated. “The seminar is a response to the call made by the NBCC on clean election in the state of Nagaland,” CRBC Executive Secretary Haiwalo Apon said in a press note.
The resource persons Ruokuovituo Khezie, Asst Chief Electoral Officer and Rev Andrew Semp Director, NMM, stressed upon the need to change the prevailing social corruption and strive for a just society as Christians. Rev. Andrew Semp spoke on the topic, “The Church and the State Election.” He urged the Rengma Christians to correctly understand what the church is. He emphasized and affirmed that Christian church is not the building but people called out by God. He lamented that Christians have failed to understand what it means to be a Christian because of which many forms of injustice is evident in our society.
Ruokuovituo addressed the leaders on the topic, “Election Malpractices and its Effects.” He enlightened the participants on the various provisions which are considered a crime in election processes and also the penalty for such crimes from the IPC. He stated that many of the existing practices of the Nagas during elections are serious offence which can be booked under the Indian Penal Code.
Urging the village councils to be the guardian and custodian of the laws to bring justice in society, he stated that village council chairman are elected by the villagers but are appointed by the government. As such village councils should be the agent to bring change in our society as they are next to the state government. Village councils should not openly endorse any candidate in the media which is a serious offence. Besides, the village councils Mothers Association should also be a driving force to bring change in the society.
The church can also play an important role since one of the best platforms to address any issue in the society. He further asserted that due to corrupt malpractice during election enmity is created in the family, clan, villages etc. Malpractices during election are a breeding ground for many forms of corruption. There is also an urgent need to clean up our electoral roll to check corruption.
He lamented that Nagas are too good that we do not raise our voice against evil. If we do not act on time then the future of our coming generation is bleak, if we love our children then we should not pass on to them a gloomy future. Therefore, he urged the good people to act together and overcome that which hinders us to progress and prosper. After the seminar the following resolutions were adopted: Common effort towards clean electoral roll; Condemn any form of bribery, violence and underage voting; and Not to hinder any individual but encourage every citizen to exercise their franchise
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, CRBC Haiwalo Apon led the participants into a solemn prayer of confession, sins committed during elections and gave an introductory speech on why should the church proactively involve in clean election campaign. The seminar concluded with a prayer of commitment led by Rev. Isaac Kesen Secretary, Mission and Evangelism CRBC.
