DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has come out strong against the recent spate of “persecutions and harassment in different parts of India, targeting Christians celebrating Christmas.”
A press note from NJCF President, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho said that the forum is appalled by what is happening in mainland India where Christians are being targeted during this Christmas season. “The Nation has been experiencing more and more of an increased trend where Christians and minority groups are persecuted and cornered over and again in recent past. What have we done as a community of faith where we cannot even express our joy and celebrate Christmas?” it questioned.
The forum recalled that last year, Christmas day was made good governance day “to disrupt our celebration.” “With much opposition by Christian groups from different corners of India we hear no more of the day. But this year we have pockets of disruption where those who are celebrating the joy of peace were attacked and tortured, worship place vandalized and property destroyed,” it lamented.
The NJCF questioned how long will the minority be tested because of their faith and practice? What actually is 'force conversion' for which Christians are always accused of? “We have suffered the pain and the burn of hatred on the pretext where every act of worship and Christian presence is concocted as 'force conversion' over the years and are persecuted,” it said.
It further called upon the authority especially, people at the helm of power to “wake up from the pretention of accommodative policies by trying to beseech supporters for political gain alone.” “If you cannot control this persecution and harassment of Christians in the country, you will be accused of instigating and encouraging what is happening in the country,” it cautioned.
The NJCF further reminded that it is the duty of the government and those in authority to guarantee constitutional safety to every citizen and protect the minority from religious harassment. Meanwhile it added: “For those of us who enjoy greater freedom more than our brothers and sisters in the mainland India, let us pray for them during this Christmas season. Let us be on guard and not be deceived by any political rhetoric.”
