KOHIMA: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has declined an offer from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to clean the church compound on May 11.
While expressing gratitude for the offer and acknowledging the BJP’s efforts to promote civic sense, the NBCC suggested that the BJP pursue alternative avenues of service.
In a statement issued by NBCC president Rev Dr Mar Pongener and general secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, concerns were raised regarding “unprecedented persecution” faced by religious and social minorities under the BJP government.
The council alleged instances of persecution, including physical violence against pastors, imprisonment of religious leaders, and surveillance of religious gatherings, leading to vulnerability among religious institutions.
The NBCC emphasized that despite these challenges occurring “under the nose of the authority”, the council could not accept the offer.
Instead, it urged the BJP leadership to mobilize party members to safeguard persecuted churches in mainland India, which would provide reassurance to minorities.
In response to the BJP’s announcement of upcoming activities, including tree plantation and cleanliness drives, the NBCC advised all political parties, particularly the BJP, to exercise caution in issuing directives.
The council stressed the importance of respecting the autonomy of religious institutions and urged political parties to refrain from dictating religious practices.
Furthermore, the NBCC clarified that its decision was not a political statement but rather a delineation of the separation between church and state.
The NBCC also called upon churches to remain vigilant when political parties adopt religious overtones, emphasizing the fundamental differences in authority between the church and the state.