Dimapur, Dec. 14: Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio has apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the feelings of the people in Nagaland with regard to the Government's observation of Good Governance Day on December 25.
Rio also suggested that Good Governance Day be observed on another appropriate day or state governments should be permitted to observe this official occasion on an alternate day, respecting the sentiments of minorities, especially Christians throughout the country.
While the observance of Good Governance Day is a welcome initiative, the date on which it falls has hurt the sentiments of Christians, Rio said in a letter to the PM.“You are aware that 25th December is the birthday of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. It is also a statewide official holiday and the majority of the population attend Christmas church services and participate in events that commemorate and celebrate the spirit of Christmas,” he explained to the PM.
Stating that Nagaland is a predominantly Christian State with more than 90 percent of the population being followers of Christianity, the MP said the sentiments of the people have been negatively impacted and the apex church organisations, led by the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC), have strongly opposed the observation of Good Governance Day on the most auspicious day for Christians. These church organisations reflect the feelings and sentiments of the people at all levels of civil society, he further apprised the PM.
