Will address all issues raised by churches: PDA assures

Senior members of the NDPP and the BJP, the principle constituents of People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Nagaland during their meeting with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) members (top) and the Bishop of Kohima, Rev Dr James Thoppil (bottom) on August 27.

Kohima, August 28 (MExN): The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Nagaland has assured the Churches in the state that it would “do all it can to address issues and concerns raised” by them in the days and years to come. 

“The church should not hesitate to come forward and share their concerns and suggestions to the government and the alliance partners,” it also conveyed.

A PDA release informed that assurances were given when senior members of the NDPP and the BJP, on behalf of the Alliance, met separately the Bishop of Kohima, Rev Dr James Thoppil and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) represented by the General Secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho and the Finance & Property Secretary Rev TW Yamyap Konyak separately on August 27. 

The meetings at Bishops House Kohima and the NBCC office were held to discuss and deliberate on pertinent issues and concerns involving the State and its people, it said. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as well Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) highlighted to both that the PDA government is “stands for peace, universal brotherhood, development, secularism and transparency in governance in the spirit of inclusiveness,” it added. 

The meetings, the release maintained, concluded with the consensual agreement that such kinds of discussions and deliberations is required more often and further agreeing to meet regularly in future.

Meanwhile, the release from PDA Media Cell further maintained that the Alliance had put on record its “policy of inclusiveness” and said that it is “imperative that the relationship between the Church and the government be further cemented.”

“As a Christian state, the Church plays an integral part not only in the spiritual growth of the citizens but also in the all round developmental and policy making process of the State,” it added.  

The PDA also expressed its appreciation to both the Bishop and the NBCC for their “candid and honest opinions” on all matters discussed and hoped that such “open discussions” continue in future for the welfare of the people.