Indo-Naga peace process
(Left) Minister for planning & coordination, T R Zeliang, addressing the gathering during the LBA Silver Jubilee celebration at Tening on January 29. (Right) Two Liangmai damsels display a traditional form of cotton spinning during the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Liangmai Baptist Araung at Tening.
Tening : The three-day Silver Jubilee celebration of the Liangmai Baptist Araung (LBA) concluded on Friday with Minister for planning and coordination, evaluation, veterinary and animal husbandry and parliamentary, T R Zeliang, calling for peace and harmony in the society. The celebration, which began on January 27 under the theme ‘Celebrate God’s Faithfulness’, was marked by a colourful cultural and musical extravaganza presented by several young talents, choir and cultural troupes, besides enriching the people with the gospel of Christ by resource persons. Minister Zeliang was in Tening as chief guest at the last day of the Silver Jubilee celebration.
Addressing the mammoth gathering at Tening Town’s local ground during the daylong ‘Jubilee Concert’, the chief guest called upon the churches to render prayer support to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, and help restore permanent peace in the Naga areas.
Asserting that violence is the main hurdle to taking development forward, and that the Church plays a pivotal role in moulding the lives of people, Zeliang said that the Church should shoulder the responsibility of bringing peace and harmony in the society. When the church is divided, society is divided; and when churches are united, people are also united, Zeliang said, advising the churches to shun the playing of any divisive politics amongst themselves.
He also called for a hand in hand coordination between the politicians and church leaders in resolving any conflict, adding that the two parties needed each other’s cooperation. He said that church leaders must be able provide corrective advice to the politicians on any issues instead of blaming the latter for their failure. “Violence of any kind must be stopped. And I appeal to the church to pray and wholeheartedly work for peace and harmony in the society,” Zeliang said.
Observing that these days people have started praising God through various ways, Zeliang added that one of the areas Nagas can make use of to glorify God is the rich and vibrant culture. However, he cautioned, our cultures and traditions should be put to use only in line with the teaching of Christ. The Minister, while calling upon the people to work hard and remove the ‘backward’ tag, reiterated that for anyone who is willing to toil and work, there is no dearth of opportunity. Stating that though the Government is willing to assist and help the youths in finding job opportunities in various sectors, the youths of Nagaland must also be willing work and grab the opportunity as and when it comes.
Pointing out that the silver jubilee celebration is only a new beginning, Zeliang urged the Liangmai community to set a new vision for the future. The ICI Central Choir from Manipur, Miss Nampiliu and villages choirs and several other musical talents enthralled the gathering during the three days’ celebration. Rev. Allan Chan of SEED Ministries, Singapore, and Rev G Khing were the main speakers at the jubilee.
Addressing the mammoth gathering at Tening Town’s local ground during the daylong ‘Jubilee Concert’, the chief guest called upon the churches to render prayer support to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process, and help restore permanent peace in the Naga areas.
Asserting that violence is the main hurdle to taking development forward, and that the Church plays a pivotal role in moulding the lives of people, Zeliang said that the Church should shoulder the responsibility of bringing peace and harmony in the society. When the church is divided, society is divided; and when churches are united, people are also united, Zeliang said, advising the churches to shun the playing of any divisive politics amongst themselves.
He also called for a hand in hand coordination between the politicians and church leaders in resolving any conflict, adding that the two parties needed each other’s cooperation. He said that church leaders must be able provide corrective advice to the politicians on any issues instead of blaming the latter for their failure. “Violence of any kind must be stopped. And I appeal to the church to pray and wholeheartedly work for peace and harmony in the society,” Zeliang said.
Observing that these days people have started praising God through various ways, Zeliang added that one of the areas Nagas can make use of to glorify God is the rich and vibrant culture. However, he cautioned, our cultures and traditions should be put to use only in line with the teaching of Christ. The Minister, while calling upon the people to work hard and remove the ‘backward’ tag, reiterated that for anyone who is willing to toil and work, there is no dearth of opportunity. Stating that though the Government is willing to assist and help the youths in finding job opportunities in various sectors, the youths of Nagaland must also be willing work and grab the opportunity as and when it comes.
Pointing out that the silver jubilee celebration is only a new beginning, Zeliang urged the Liangmai community to set a new vision for the future. The ICI Central Choir from Manipur, Miss Nampiliu and villages choirs and several other musical talents enthralled the gathering during the three days’ celebration. Rev. Allan Chan of SEED Ministries, Singapore, and Rev G Khing were the main speakers at the jubilee.