‘An insult to human dignity and a betrayal to the church’s call for clean election’
DIMAPUR, APRIL 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed its “displeasure on the rampant use of money by the candidates to purchase votes” and pointed out that “this was an insult to human dignity and a betrayal to the church’s call for clean election”. The Church further expressed its unhappiness on what it described as “the shameless demand of money by the voters in exchange for their votes”. “This is nothing short of selling one’s ‘birth rights’ and a disgrace as followers of Christ”, stated a press note issued by the NBCC.
On April 2 and 3, the Executive Committee of the NBCC had convened an “extraordinary” executive meeting to evaluate the impact of clean election campaign in the recently concluded Nagaland state general election. In this regard the Council felt that the campaign has played a positive role despite what it termed as “several shortcomings and discouraging outcomes in the recently concluded election.” However it stated that the seed for clean election has been sown and “some far reaching effects have been achieved”.
Pointing out that the NBCC’s involvement pertains to moral and spiritual aspects, while the civil law and its enforcement agencies are outside the domain of the church, it stated that the involvement of the Church is specific and will continue to do all that it can to educate the masses and in “being the conscience of our society”.
According to the press note, the Executive Committee of the NBCC reaffirmed its commitment and determination to continue the clean election campaign until the desirable goal is achieved. While making an appeal to everyone to support the movement the Council anticipated the support of the Government to cooperate and participate in the Clean Election Campaign by executing the Election Code of Conduct realistically and sensibly for the sake of every citizen of the state.
While appreciating the leadership of various Naga national groups who have pledged their written commitment not to involve in State general election and for upholding their commitment, the NBCC however observed that “some individuals have acted otherwise in their own capacity”.
The NBCC extended its gratitude to all the churches, civil societies, political groups, villages, media and individuals who have cooperated and responded positively to the call of the clean election campaign. The Council stated that it was “encouraged and its spirit strengthened by seeing many individuals who have pledged and accordingly abstained themselves from malpractices”.
The Council appealed to all the Church groups and Civil Societies to come together and join hands in this ‘movement’, which according to the NBCC “belongs to all right thinking citizens who support the establishment of just peace and desires the blessings of God, for ourselves and our posterity”.
