Dimapur, August 6 (MExN): The Poumai Naga Students’ Union, Delhi known as the Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me, Delhi (PNTMD) set up a sub-body called Poumai Worship Service, Delhi (PWSD) comprising of different denominations to enable worship and service. Consequently, disagreement arose whereby, the Poumai Naga Baptist Association (PNBA) passed what was termed as ‘illegitimate resolution’ in its council meeting held at Tingsong Khullen, in September 2002. “The PNBA is intimated officially that Poumai Worship Service, Delhi is officially dissolved amicably for the better worship orders both for the Poumai Baptist and Catholic community in Delhi” according to a statement from MP Shele and Tho Thomas, both members of the PNTMD.
Officially, the PWSD dissolved in March 2003. Further no official communication in any form took place between the PNBA and the PNTMD, the latter stated. As per the constitution of the PNTMD, the offender or offenders shall be dealt with according to its constitution’s resolution that “No function of any religious organization shall override the functions of the union”. The ideological clash between the PNBA and the PNTMD intensified when the former mentioned in particular the Poumai Baptist and Poumai Catholic community, while PWSD consisted of many denominations “disrespecting other denominations and intending to separate the Baptist from the rest” according to the PNTMD.
Then, the PNBA delegated three officials RL Simon, Executive Secretary PNBA, Rev. R L Tennyson, Field Director LBCC and Th.Thaongaolou, Finance Secretary PNBA and consecrated a separated fellowship as “Poumai Baptist Fellowship, Delhi” for Baptist members residing in Delhi. Consequently the PNTMD served a letter of explanation and clarification to the PNBA to identify who intimated the PNBA officially and why the PNBA had particularized the Baptists and Catholics. “The response received, did not serve the purpose” the PNTMD stated.
Consequently, a general body meeting of the PNTMD was summoned and the house unanimously resolved to serve a conditional ultimatum letter, that in the event of the PNBA not responding within the stated date-line, the existing PBFD would not be allowed to function by the PNTMD. In response to the letter, the present PNBA Executive Secretary H Gideon extended an official Apology to the action committee of the PNTMD.
“It is a sorry state to mention, that hundreds of students’ unions exist in several parts of the country. The PNTMD appeals that the function, autonomy and security of any students’ union are not interfered by religious or social organizations at all cost. The mutual understanding and co-existence spirit is a necessity of the hour’ said the statement.
