Dimapur, November 18 (MExN): Asserting that Church leaders and politicians should work together for good governance and progress of the State, Minister of Planning and Coordination, T.R. Zeliang, called upon the church to pray for the solution to long pending Naga political issue.
Inaugurating the Inter-cultural Research Building of the United College of Theology and Mission (UCTM) on November 17, Zeliang said that Nagas need a strong and committed prayer support from spiritual leaders for resolving the Indo-Naga conflict otherwise it may slip out and Naga political issue will be back to square one.
“A time like this when 60 legislators of Nagaland State Assembly irrespective of political affiliation have unanimously decided to support an honorable solution and the Government of India is keen and sincere to resolve Naga issues, church leaders should also play their role by offering constant prayer support,” T.R. Zeliang said.
He also said that Government of India is mentally prepared to bring an honourable solution to the Naga political struggle as per unique history of the Nagas; therefore, church leaders should play a pivotal role.
The protracted political struggle has become a costly affair for the Nagas as such it has to be resolved as soon as possible if Nagas have to progress and march with the rest of the world.
The Minister also appreciated the role played by the church in the peace process and various development activities especially in uplifting the economy of the people.
Rev. Dr P. Dozo Chairman Board of Managing, UCTM said that the objectives of the Inter-cultural Research building is to offer specialized and advanced training beyond general theology or missiological education to contextually reach different religious faiths and secular religions with the message of eternal salvation. He also said that by 2014, ICR shall be designed with clear component for research area of concentration leading to doctoral level by 2017.
Rev. David Hagelberg, Director, OC Asia also spoke on the occasion.
