Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association of Nagaland condemns attacks on Christians, killing of student

DIMAPUR — The Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has condemned the "atrocious attacks and violence" on Christians and churches during the Christmas season in various parts of the country.

In a condemnation, the association stated that while intolerance towards Christians is not unknown, it is the first time that "so many people and Churches have been attacked and harassed during this festive time”.

It termed religious intolerance in the "World’s biggest democratic secular nation" as unacceptable. The association stated that while the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, a minority in India were subjected to "indiscriminate acts of threat, violence and harassment by some intolerant sections of society."

The Ex-PAN appealed to the Prime Minister of India and the Government of India to ensure that such religious intolerance is put to an end. It stated that it is the duty of the government to protect the rights and lives of every citizen regardless of religion.

"Secularism is enshrined in the Constitution of India, and this must be practiced in letter and in spirit and not just remain in name," the association stated.

The association also expressed shock and anger at the recent alleged "racial killing" of Anjel Chakma, a tribal student from Tripura studying in Dehradun.

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It joined the rest of the Northeast in condemning the act committed on a fellow citizen. The association claimed that discrimination, abuse, and violence on racial lines, especially against those from the North East Region (NER), are increasing.

"Race and appearance do not define citizenship! The people of the NER have also, in our own way, contributed and are still contributing towards Nation building," the statement read.