Christians can bring peace, unity in India: Governor

Speaking at a Bishops meeting in Mumbai, Governor of Maharashtra S C Jamir, said Christians can play a central role in reestablishing peace, harmony and unity in the country during these tumultuous times.

Addressing the peace meet organised by the 'Fellowship of Bishops in Mumbai' at YMCA International, Jamir urged Christians to awaken their conscience and assert their belief in Christianity.

"Our greatest weapon should be love, compassion and faith in the living God," he said according to a press note issued by the Governor's Public Relation Officer.

Stressing on the need for fellowship and camaraderie towards the fellow countrymen, Jamir rued that, the unison and participation among country's leaders that existed in the past is apparently absent.

Relating to incidents in the north East and Nagaland in particular, Governor Jamir pointed that since last three decades there have been fresh violence, terrorism and still there was little response from the people or other parts of the country. This he said is the sign that Christians have to be more involved to bring peace in the country.

Naxalism, he said, arose due to tribals being uprooted from their homes and lack of relief efforts or proper rehabilitation. Peace could be established by adopting humanitarian and compassionate approach towards the problems like naxalism, insurgency, etc, he said.

The occasion saw the presence of eminent Christians, Archbishop of Bombay, Oswald Cardinal Gracias and Malankara Orthodox Syrian Archbishop of Bombay Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Bishop of Kalyan Diocese Mar Thomas Elavanal, Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities Michael Pinto, Media personality Roger Pereira, Vice-Chancellor of Dr D. Y. Patil University Prof. James Thomas.