Wokha, March 21 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho on Monday informed that the existing Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) Administration has been dissolved with effect from March 18.
In a press release, the Lotha Hoho stated that the action has been taken “under the provisions of Article 371A (a) I),ii),ii) & iv), of the Indian Constitution and as empowered by Point No. 8 of the 16 Point Agreement, 1960; and the Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act 1978, amended in 2011.”
The release stated that the Lotha Hoho has elected a pro-tem team for an Interim period of six months, for reorganisation of the LBCA Administration. “The LH further bans all activities of the LBCA till the LBCA is reorganised and streamlined, by the pro tem team,” it added.
It said that the LBCA, for the last couple of years, “had been functioning without following the LBCA Constitution/Sakhung and consequently many Lotha Baptist churches, dissatisfied, had withdrawn support to the LBCA and many Court cases are ongoing, both in the High Court and in the Judicial magistrate Court.”
It stated that the initiative to amicably settle the problems of discord within and without the LBCA, did not achieve positive results “since the LBCA leaders refused to attend any meeting for negotiation and amicable settlement.”
“The Lotha Hoho had constituted a Fact Finding Committee (FFC) to find the truth about the LBCA problems. As per the FFC Report some of the hitherto existing LBCA leaders have violated at least 28 norms/procedures,” the release stated.
Under the circumstances, it said that the Lotha Hoho had convened a final coordination meeting on March 18, with social organisations, Lotha elder theologian intellectuals, LBCA leaders and its affiliated organs, Church pastors and leaders; to deliberate and to amicably settle the issues.
“The LBCA had refused to attend this meeting too, and the Lotha organisations had no other option; but to let LH issue a directive Memorandum, dissolving the erstwhile LBCA organisation and installing an Interim Administration for 6 (six) moths; for reorganization and streamlining the LBCA set up,” the release stated.
Consequently, it said that the erstwhile LBCA Administration “is no longer mandated and hence the LH has banned all activities of the disbanded LBCA organisation and hence any church or organisation is asked not to attend the LBCA meeting of March 23, at Vankhosung.”
It further cautioned that anyone defying the direction and attempting to attend the meeting, would be responsible for any law and order problem that may arise; as a consequence.
“Anyone hosting or harbouring any LBCA meeting/activity, anywhere, will be viewed seriously and the Lotha Hoho will take punitive action against anyone defying this direction,” it asserted.
