DIMAPUR, DEC 3 (MExN): The recent order of the NSCN-IM to open shops on Sundays in Dimapur has been termed as “a daring contest with the principle set by God”. NBCC General Secretary Rev Zhabu Terhuja in a press communiqué pointed out that the order was a deliberate and defiant act to attract and invoke the wrath and judgement of God.
“The order is certainly in the interest of certain business community. Was the order purchased? Not all Christian Naga shop-owners will adhere to this order. Since it is meant for Christmas, the main shoppers shall be Christian Nagas and the people who gain maximum profit shall be the non-Christian non-Naga business community”, Rev Terhuja stated.
Stating that Christians need not be seduced to do shopping on Sundays, the NBCC was of the opinion that the order was a devilish scheme to lure the people to fall away from worshipping God. “If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large mill stone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come”, Rev Terhuja stated quoting Matthew 18:6-7 from the Bible.
Clarifying, NSCN (IM) Brigadier Phungthing Shimrang who is also the Convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell denied that ‘business interests’ were involved. “This is his (Zhabu’s) personal view,” he said while adding that the move was made only after taking into consideration the needs of those coming from outside Dimapur. The decision was made after reviewing the people’s needs during the festive season; he said and added that the comment was Zhabu’s personal view which may also invite repercussions.
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