Mokokchung, October 28 (MTNews): Saying that the people of Nagaland have been eagerly waiting for the sesquicentennial celebration of 150 years of Christianity in Naga Hills, scheduled for November 1-3, the Ao Senden has expressed regret that the President of India’s visit to Nagaland coincides with the celebration.
“It is understandable that, as per protocol, the Government of Nagaland has instructed all its officers and staff, including those posted in the districts, to be in station and that granting of leave be avoided.
However, Ao Senden regrets to announce that this is not appreciated,” the apex Ao Senden stated on Friday.
Stating that the President of India could have chosen any other date to visit the state, Ao Senden said that it is unfortunate that the President’s visit coincides with the celebration of 150 Years of Christianity in Naga Hills, an event that was planned years ahead of schedule and to everybody’s knowledge.
Ao Senden also said that Nagaland state with 89% of its population being Christians is the state with the highest percentage of Christians in India.
Further, Ao Senden appealed to the Government of Nagaland “not to restrict anyone from attending the Sesquicentennial event if s/he so desires.”
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) has said that it deeply regrets for the “inconveniences caused due to the advisory directives issued by the Government of Nagaland to all AHODs and HODs to be in the station from November 2-3, 2022” in view of the visit of the President of India to Nagaland, “as a result of which many devout officers will be curtailed to be a part of this historic jubilation program.”
ABAM also stated that, if possible, it “sincerely wishes and prays that the date for this particular visit may be postponed to another day for the benefit of all citizens.”
ABAM also shared its appreciation to all well-wishers for joining with them in diverse manner in their preparation to celebrate the dawn of the Gospel of Christ into the Naga Soil 150 years ago, the preparations for which it said started in 2017.