An Interfaith Meet in Dimapur organised by NJCF and Christian Forum Dimapur reaffirms commitment to peace, harmony, and constitutional values.
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DIMAPUR — An interfaith meet was held at the Bethesda Higher Secondary School Hall, Dimapur, on January 12.
The programme was jointly organised by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) and the Christian Forum Dimapur, bringing together leaders and representatives of various religious traditions, stated an update.
The meeting was chaired by Rev. Dr. Paphino, president of NJCF, who outlined the objectives of the gathering and highlighted the importance of interfaith understanding, peaceful coexistence, and the shared responsibility of religious communities in nurturing harmony within a pluralistic society.
It was stated that the participants unanimously affirmed that no religion advocates violence and that all faith traditions uphold core values such as love, peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity. Acts of violence or hatred carried out in the name of religion were strongly denounced as distortions of authentic religious teachings that undermine social cohesion.
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The gathering stressed the need to speak out consistently against all forms of violence, discrimination, and hatred directed at any religious community, without prejudice or selectivity.
Several speakers, including Khoatele, OM Prakash Jain, Ajay Sethi, A Rehman, Gopal Sharma, Dr. Alem, and Dr. Fr. CP Anto, highlighted the duty of religious leaders and citizens to uphold the Constitution of India and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), especially those relating to freedom of religion, belief, conscience, equality, and human dignity. The participants noted that constitutional values and universal human rights provide a common framework for peaceful coexistence in a diverse nation like India.
The members reaffirmed that India is a pluralistic nation enriched by diverse religions, cultures, and traditions. In such a context, people of all faiths have a vital role and responsibility to uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and freedom of religion.
Participants appreciated Nagaland’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and mutual respect, recognising the state as a positive model of interfaith harmony. The importance of sustaining this legacy and sharing Nagaland’s experiences with other regions through dialogue, education, and cooperative social engagement was highlighted.
After deliberation, the Interfaith Meet unanimously adopted resolutions. The meeting condemned all forms of religious violence, intimidation, discrimination, and hatred against any faith community. "Such actions are inconsistent with moral principles and violate the constitutional values of India," the forum stated. It affirmed its commitment to stand with victims through appropriate moral, legal, and humanitarian means and to advocate justice, accountability, healing, and reconciliation through lawful processes.
The participants resolved to strengthen interfaith solidarity and unity, recognising that harm to any one community affects social harmony and national cohesion.