Nagaland: Religious leaders stress joint action for peace

With the objective to strengthen the interfaith relationship and to form Peoples' Forum for Peace in Nagaland, religious leaders from all sects in the state, stressed on the need for joint action to maintain peace and harmony.

The move initiated by Father C.P. Anto, saw at least 200 people participate in Dimapur, the main commercial hub and one of the three municipalities in the state of Nagaland.

Under the leadership of Father Anto, the diocese launched the Peace Channel, in collaboration with the Interfaith Coalition for Peace, a New Delhi based ecumenical forum.

It aims to bring together, leaders of all religion who can share in common, explore commonalities that can unite them and strengthen peace and harmony.

Bishop Jose Mukala of Kohima, who addressed the meeting, stressed peace, love and harmony as principles that foster good human societies.

Reverend Awala Longkumer of the National Council of Churches in India said, "We should respect people of every religion because all are made in the image of God."

Rajendra, a leader of Arya Samaj, a Hindu sect, appreciated the Christian initiative, and said such gatherings should increase and build up unity and harmony in the society. "Everyone should live in harmony with each other," he added.

Several ethnic and secessionist clashes that claimed hundreds of lives have occurred in the state during the past 60 years.

The census of 2001 recorded the state's Christian population at 1,790,349 (90.02% of the state's population), making it one of the three Christian–majority states in India, and the only state where Christians form 90% of the population.

Among Christians, Baptists are the predominant group constituting more than 75% of the state's population. The state has a very high church attendance rate in both urban and rural areas.