Dimapur, July 22 (MExN): All the Catholic run schools and institutes in the State will remain closed tomorrow as a mark of protest against the 9th July demolition of Anatongre Catholic Church in Kiphire. This was informed in a press note issued by Reverend Father Mathew Thuniampral Secretary of Education Commission, Diocese of Kohima. According to the press note, the closure is also a symbolic observance against the deliberate obstructions and ostracizing individuals for embracing Catholic faith meted out in various parts of the State. The press note also expressed deep regret for the inconvenience and appealed to the innocent school children and the valued parents to bear with the inconvenience.
The press note further stated that it was pained to know on the reported involvement of Students’ Union, Anatongre and village members, who were educated from the Catholic schools, in the prevention of catholic community from practicing catholic faith besides taking part in the church demolition when the Catholic Church is trying its level best for their over all wellbeing.
In a separate press note, the Diocese of Kohima on behalf of the Catholic Church expressed gratitude to his the Governor of Nagaland, Mr. Nikhil Kumar and the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Mr. Neiphiu Rio and other government officials for their understanding, concern, sympathy and support besides initiating steps to find a solution to the Anatongre issue. “It is a positive development that this incident has brought to the notice of the administration and to the general public how a section of the people of the state is treated”, stated the Spokesperson Diocese of Kohima Fr. R. R. Graviour Augustine.
It was pointed out that incidents of village authorities preventing people from following the worship of their choice by way of imposing fine, excommunication, confiscation of properties etc., was not an isolated incident confined only to Anatongre village. “Sadly, it is prevalent in many parts of the state and that it is a blatant violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution”, the Spokesperson stated.
