Dimapur, Dec. 16: Kohima diocese, representing the Catholic churches in Nagaland, has strongly opposed to the declaration of the central government to observe December 25 as ‘Good Governance Day.’
While admitting that the church is not against the observance of good governance day, it however said the choice of the day on December 25 is a blatant disrespect for Christian sentiments.
Stating that different religions in the country have days, which are sacred and holy, it said over 24 million Christians in India consider December 25 as a very important day as they celebrate the birth day of Jesus. It said the decision of the Government to declare this day as ‘Good Governance Day’ is not only an attempt to dilute the importance of the day for Christians but also a discriminative and insensitive act against them.
It said the disrespect of the government towards the religious sentiments of the minorities would put a scar on the secular nature of our country, which is known the outside world as a nation which promotes tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
It, therefore, said the concept of ‘good governance’ itself will be a mockery if due respect is not given to all the sections in the country, irrespective of the religious affinity. The foundation to any good governance is religious freedom, justice and equality. Peace and development in the country is possible only when the legitimate rights all its citizens are upheld by all. The government has the duty bound responsibility to promote it, the statement added.
The statement said declaring December 25 as Good Governance Day will be a blatant disrespect to Christian sentiments and a denial of their legitimate aspiration to celebrate the greatest event of their religious belief. It said failure of the government to understand the seriousness of the matter and not taking corrective steps in executing the order to observe December 25 as ‘Good Governance Day’ will be considered deliberate act of discrimination from the part of the Government.
Stating that the pristine message of Christmas that Jesus, Son of God, incarnated in to the world so that the humanity may experience peace, love and joy in their hearts, it wished that better sense prevail so that all of us can experience security and brotherliness in this great nation of ours.
