The cynical abuse of Christian faith and belief by the party-political campaigners in recent weeks in Nagaland is yet another deplorable and deliberate attempt to sabotage the identity of Christian community in Nagaland. ‘Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!’ is a Christian sacred expression meant for their reaffirmation and commitment with awe and reverence but to syncretize it with “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” is purely communal as it forces a certain mythological idea of motherland Bharat being Devi, a Hindu deity.
‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ may suit a particular faith and religious philosophy but not all and to utter both phrases at a time for one’s own political gain is disgraceful.
The Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) seeks every right-thinking citizen to refrain from conforming to political inducement as it has the potential to mislead any religious faith community.
Rev Dr Mar Pongener
Executive Secretary
Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang