DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (MExN): Using the occasion of Christmas, both the Governor and Chief Minister of Nagaland appealed for restoration of peace among different sections of people and group in tune with the birth of the Prince of Peace. “We are enjoying the eternal mercy of God but have made no differentiation by trying to put an end to the internecine hostility between some brothers, undermining the safety and security of the lives of common people in some districts”, Governor Shyamal Datta stated in his message ahead of Christmas.
“While extending my warm greetings to my brothers, sisters and children on the most joyous occasion of Christmas, I request you all to utilize the solemn festive occasion for introspection and action to make things better in our state”, Datta stated. Pointing out that the basis of any religion is to preach and practice tolerance and accommodation with different views and ways of life, Datta regretted that this had not deterred some from being at constant war with one another with “their acrimony, arrogance and aggression”. Datta called for an environment favorable for peace and development. “Let the celebration of 2006 Christmas mark the beginning of a journey in the quest of the goal.
“I wish you all a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”, Datta greeted.
In a separate message, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that there is no peace in the people because there is no forgiveness and reminded of the government, the Church and the civil society being complementary to each other and for this, called for a coordinated effort in achieving common goals, specifically peace and forgiveness in the spirit of service as reminded by Christmas.
The government can only give external peace through worldly materials and all round development activities but not internal peace and “It is only Jesus who can give us that peace” he said in his Christmas message to the people. “This is the most appropriate time for the Nagas to forgive and reconcile with one another and make friendship and share the true love of Jesus Christ. Social transformation in the true sense can come only from within, when people are prepared to forgive and accept one another. During this Christmas season, let us all search our hearts in prayer; and let us banish all that are ugly and selfish from our thoughts, and replace them with love and compassion, so that a real peace will come to our land. We don’t find peace in our hearts, because we do not forgive others. Only when we forgive others, we are at peace with ourselves; and that we can share that peace with others, and build a peaceful atmosphere in the society” Rio said.
Rio, also acknowledged the government’s mission for positive change: “Reflecting this Christmas spirit of service, the State Government is also seized with a mission to effect positive changes and to bring about material welfare and better quality of life to our people. The Churches are also endeavoring to bring about spiritual well being in our land by reviving the hearts and souls of the people spiritually.
Thus, the role of the Government, the Church and Civil societies are complementary to each other. There is a need to coordinate our efforts, and learn to work together in harmony to achieve our common goals and shared visions” he said.
He urged to let this Christmas bring out the best in oneself and bring the people of Nagaland closer to one another, to become instruments of peace. He said God’s greatest gift to mankind, in His act of sending His one and only son to save humankind can be seen in Christmas which “comes back to us afresh every year, to remind and challenge us to give back our best to others in return”. This is the real purpose of Christmas and in fact, the purpose of life itself and giving oneself in the service of others is imperative, he reminded.
Calling against letting the celebrations be just another annual event, “full of good programs and church services, or food, dresses and decorations,” Neiphiu Rio instead desired that “we learn the basic lessons of life that, love is better than hate, peace is better than war, cooperation is better than conflict, persuasion is better than force, and gentleness is better than violence”.
