Dr Asangba Tzudir
Based on the provisions given in Article 371A of the Indian Constitution which applies to the State of Nagaland, and as empowered by Point No. 8 of the 16 Point Agreement; and the Nagaland village and Tribal Council Act 1978 amended in 2011, the Lotha Hoho has dissolved the administration of the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) and also banned all its activities with effect from 18 March 2022. A Pro-tem team has been elected by the Lotha Hoho to initiate the reorganization of the LBCA.
As reported, the reason for the dissolution and the imposition of ban comes in the wake of the LBCA “functioning without following the LBCA Constitution/Sakhung.” It was because of this that many Lotha Baptist Churches were dissatisfied and withdrew support to the LBCA. What is also painful is the involvement of Court cases both in high court as well as in Judicial Magistrate Court.
In the context of religion and Church and in the larger context of Nagaland Baptist Churches celebrating ‘150 years of Christ’ in Nagaland this year, it is quite appalling to note the severity of the issue requiring Court’s intervention, and having failed to come to an amicable solution in the area of building God’s kingdom, it somehow gives an impression that Nagas seems to have accepted Christianity without Christ.
The Lotha Hoho seems to have taken a very painful duty of dissolving the Association and also banning its activities with the objective of bringing the issue towards a peaceful settlement. While the comments are given simply based on the report of the Lotha Hoho dissolving the Association, the detailed ‘stories’ and circumstances leading to this action requires further deliberation especially on the part of the Pro-tem team who are now being tasked with a huge responsibility of bringing peace, for peace is an overrated term, yet the road to peace is indeed challenging.
With changing times and realities, the current issue is a sensitive one and deserves the sensitivity it warrants. Violation of 28 Norms by the existing LBCA leaders have been reported, and going by the face of it, it seems like the issue is one of indiscipline, but considering the number of violations, it also warrants a relook at the Constitution, if necessary. This will give out the truth factor as to whether it on the lines of struggle for power or issues of the constitution.
However, considering the intensity of the issue and circumstances, one can only be hopeful for a solution that will once and for all bring about all the Lotha Baptist Churches together under the Association. This is not only in the interest of the community but also the Baptist Churches in Nagaland as a whole.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
