DIMAPUR, AUGUST 9 (MExN): The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has taken exception that certain parachurch organizations/independent churches in and around Dimapur solemnizing couples without genuinely verifying the marriageability of their clan nor taking into account the written approval of the village council or the concerned authority as has been observed and complied with.
In a press statement, ASTD president Meren Nokpu and general secretary P Sashi Longchar termed such practices as “detestable” and “unacceptable” and said marriage certificates issued under such circumstances will be of no value to the community nor will be it accepted in the days to come.
The ASTD highlighted that when it comes to the sanctity of marriage, there are distinct rules among the Ao Nagas where some clans or same sub clans cannot marry each other and is considered a taboo and repugnant to the community.
Following the advent of Christianity, the church as the apex religious body has been instrumental in upholding this cultural value by not giving marriage approvals or certificate unless there is written endorsement from the village council or the concerned authority. This has been adhered to in all the churches from ABAM or any other affiliated churches of the Ao community, it stated.
In light of this, the ASTD has urged the church organizations, being the religion guardian of any community, not to continue such practices in future. It also cautioned that it would pursue the matter in question until status quo is maintained.
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