Dimapur, Nov. 29 (EMN): While not convinced with the phrase ‘forced conversion,’ coined by RSS and BJP, president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), K Therie, has termed the allegations ‘farce and shallow’ stating that religion is deep and stronger than force.
“Faith is an acceptance of one’s inner heart. No one can tear that apart and convert another,” Therie said.
Citing reference from the Bible, Therie said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the three Hebrew men, were thrown into a fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon, for refusing to bow down to the king's image. The three were preserved from harm and the king sees four men walking in the flames. The king commanded them to come out and they came out from the fiery furnace. The king bowed to the God of Hebrews.”
Stating that there are many miracles told in the Holy Bible where God had delivered Christian believers, Therie said miracles have saved many Christians from their death beds even today.
Therie was of the opinion that deportation of Christians holding tourist VISA and denying VISA on false allegations of forced conversion cannot succeed in removing the faith.
“Deportation of 10 Christian tourists from Guwahati may have earned praise from BJP top guns at Delhi. What has amazed us is Christian chief ministers of Northeast remaining mum for fear of idol worshipers,” Therie added.
Therie alleged that religious divide has become a reality as anti-conversion laws are deliberately misused and even ‘peaceful association’ and ‘worship services’ are termed as ‘forced conversions.’ Arresting over 40 Christians on charges of ‘forced conversion’ is also a reality, he added.
Referring to the BJP’s manifesto with a promise to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and Citizen Amendment Act (CAA), Therie sounded alarm that Christians would be persecuted more and more in times to come.
“We may not be able stop anti-Christian activities in the mainland, but should Christians vote for BJP and its alliance and convey the message that we support persecution of Christians to the mainland and the World?” Therie queried.