NBCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener addressed a National Level Human Rights Workshop organised by Students Christian Movement of India in Kohima.
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DIMAPUR — The General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, urged student leaders to translate faith into courageous action by standing for truth, promoting dialogue across divides, protecting democratic spaces, practising nonviolent advocacy, and serving those who suffer.
He stated this during his keynote address at the three-day National Level Human Rights Workshop held in Kohima from December 6 to the 8th.
The workshop was organised by the Students Christian Movement of India (SCMI) in collaboration with the Social Concern Department of the NBCC on the theme “Weaving connections of faith and solidarity for human rights”. It was attended by around 30 student leaders representing 12 states across the country.
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In his keynote address delivered on the first day of the event, Pongener stated that “faith and human rights are inseparable in a nation facing discrimination, polarisation, gender-based violence, shrinking democratic spaces, and the struggles of marginalised, migrant, and indigenous communities,” the NBCC stated in a delayed press release.
Reminding that Jesus’ ministry was profoundly humanising—lifting the marginalised, confronting injustice, and calling believers to active compassion—he urged the participants to “understand the socio-political realities around them, listen to the experiences of vulnerable communities, and view human rights not as abstract principles but as the lived stories of people created in God’s image.”
Acknowledging obstacles such as youth apathy, fear, misinformation, and shrinking academic freedoms, Pongener encouraged SCMI to “cultivate informed, ethical, and spiritually grounded leaders who build inter-regional solidarity and partner with churches, civil society, and human rights networks”.
He also stated that SCMI should become a voice of conscience, a bridge among communities, and a movement of hope—woven together by faith, solidarity, and a commitment to justice.
The keynote address was followed by sessions led by Vitono Gugu Haralu and Rev. Karang Maram, who highlighted the ongoing human rights challenges in the Northeast.
Dr. Villo Naleo, secretary of Social Concern (NBCC), addressed the impact of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), noting how this law has contributed to fear and hardship among communities in the region by granting sweeping powers to security forces.
The second day of the workshop saw Inatoli Aye conduct a Bible study on the theme of migration, while Advocate Atungo Shitri spoke on “Land, Migration and Indigenous Identity”, exploring the intersection of legal rights, cultural identity, and demographic change. R Lungleng led a discussion on “Youth and Politics”.
The participants also engaged with Sparrow Mission Fellowship, a ministry dedicated to supporting migrants in Kohima, and celebrated Advent Christmas.
On day three of the event, Seno Tsühah shared her field experiences working with indigenous communities and stressed the importance of community-led initiatives and reaffirmed the workshop’s call for justice, dignity, and collective responsibility.