‘Nagaland stands out as an example of inter-faith harmony and peace’

March 12, 2024 10 Views No Comment

Dimapur, March 12 (MExN): “Nagaland stands out as an example of inter-faith harmony and peace in India,” Rev Dr CP Anto, Principal of NEISSR and Founder Director of Peace Channel remarked during the interfaith gathering organised by Peace Channel and NEISSR at Hotel Jal Mahal, Dimapur on March 10.

A press release from by Peace Channel Desk stated that the meeting outlined three primary objectives. Firstly, the focus was on solidifying Nagaland’s position as a model state characterised by inter-faith harmony and peace, especially in contrast to the tensions in neighboring Manipur and Assam.

In his address, Rev Dr Anto emphasised the necessity of dialogue as a tool for preventing and resolving conflicts, underscoring the need for religious, church, and community leaders to be equipped for peace building. He stressed the significance of addressing various issues, including those related to upcoming elections, land disputes, developmental concerns, and the overarching goal of achieving lasting peace and sustainability in the state and region.

Rev Dr Anto encouraged leaders to expand their efforts beyond Dimapur into other districts, thereby, mitigating the potential for violence outbreaks of any kind of violent conflicts could be prevented, intervened and resolved by the leaders in the future.

Thirdly, he urged leaders to unite as one human family, transcending religious and community boundaries. He called for innovative approaches to interfaith celebrations and advocated for projecting Nagaland’s model of interfaith harmony to other parts of the nation where trust and predictability are lacking.

During the discussions, representatives from various religious and community groups voiced their support for the continuation of the interfaith movement.

Others who spoke during the meeting were Ahidur Rahman, President, Muslim Council Dimapur; Om Prakash Sethi of Digambar Jain Samaj Dimapur; Ajay Sethi from Jain and Kannan Dever from Tamil communities; Sajeev Kumar of Kerala Samaj; Ram Krishna, member of Bhojpuri Samaj.

The attendees expressed concerns over conflicts in Manipur and escalating tensions in Assam. The gathering concluded with a call for continued prayer support for peace and social reforms, chaired by Jose V Abraham, Coordinator of Peace Channel, Dimapur district.