When religion and politics mix, the consequences are often perilous. The recent condemnation of the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, by various stakeholders, including the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, ABAM, NBCC, and political parties in Nagaland, underscores the perilous consequences of intertwining religion and politics. The collective condemnation across Nagaland reflects the urgent call for safeguarding secularism in India.
Mixing religion and politics can lead to discriminatory legislation, as witnessed in the Assam Healing Practices Bill, which has drawn criticism for potentially targeting religious minorities, specifically Christians. Such actions not only undermine the principles of a diverse and inclusive society but also risk breeding division and animosity among communities.
It would bode well for Assam government to reconsider the Assam Healing Practices Bill, given the importance of upholding secular principles that foster religious tolerance, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence. The intertwining of religion and politics, as witnessed in Assam, poses a threat to the foundational values of diversity and unity. It is a stark reminder that a secular governance model is essential now, more than ever, to safeguard the rights and beliefs of all communities.
As witnessed in Assam and elsewhere, the divisive nature of such actions underscores the importance of upholding the secular principles that form the bedrock of any democratic society. The news from Assam serves as a stark reminder that the integrity of both religious and political spheres must be preserved to safeguard the pluralistic essence of democratic societies. The dangers of mixing religion and politics are not merely theoretical but represent a tangible threat to the foundational principles of democratic societies.
Mokokchung Times
This was very informative. I appreciate the clarity and depth.