Participants at the three-day national-level Human Rights Workshop, organised by the Students Christian Movement of India in collaboration with the Social Concern Department of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council.
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 10 (MExN): A three-day national-level Human Rights Workshop, organised by the Students Christian Movement of India (SCMI) in collaboration with the Social Concern Department of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), concluded here on December 8. The programme, held from December 6 to 8 under the theme “Weaving Connections of Faith and Solidarity for Human Rights,” brought together around 30 student leaders from 12 states.
The workshop opened with a keynote address by NBCC General Secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener, who termed the theme timely and underscored that faith and human rights are inseparable in a context marked by discrimination, gender-based violence, polarisation, shrinking democratic spaces and the struggles of marginalised, migrant and indigenous communities. Rooting his message in the Gospel’s call to dignity and justice, he said Jesus’ ministry was profoundly humanising, lifting the vulnerable and confronting injustice.
He urged student leaders to understand socio-political realities, listen to vulnerable communities and view human rights not as abstract principles but as lived experiences. He called on them to translate faith into action by standing for truth, promoting dialogue, protecting democratic spaces, practising non-violent advocacy and serving those who suffer. He also stressed the need for SCMI to cultivate ethical, informed and spiritually grounded leaders.
Sessions on the first day were led by Vitono Gugu Haralu and Rev Karang Maram, who highlighted human rights challenges in the Northeast. This was followed by a presentation by Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concern (NBCC), who discussed the impact of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and said the Act had created fear and hardship in the region due to the extensive powers granted to security forces.
The second day began with a Bible study on migration by Inatoli Aye, followed by a session on “Land, Migration and Indigenous Identity” by Advocate Atungo Shitri. R. Lungleng later led a discussion on “Youth and Politics.”
Participants also visited the NBCC’s Sparrow Mission Fellowship, which works with migrants in Kohima. The day concluded with an Advent Christmas gathering that fostered fellowship and solidarity.
On the final day, Seno Tsühah delivered a presentation drawing on her field experience with indigenous communities, emphasising the importance of community-led initiatives and reinforcing the workshop’s call for justice, dignity and collective responsibility.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing a renewed commitment to advance human rights advocacy through faith-based action, solidarity and leadership. The organisers thanked all resource persons and participants for their contributions.
