NLTPA an Issue Which Never Dies: NBCC Response and Appeal

There is a grave danger in attempting to overcome a past you have not lived through. When things aren’t going our way, we should work together to build and construct a better society rather than piling difficulties on top of one other. We should not cultivate the idea that raising revenue from components that are eroding the fabric of our life will make us better people. We must first establish a sense of responsibility in ourselves before moving on to effective government. The majority’s welfare should always be prioritised in any decision-making process. However, this time, the honourable cabinet has completely dismissed the church’s appeal and leaders’ voices. This reveals the underlying spiritual dangers that arise when God is removed from our concept of good and wrong.

Revisiting and re-enacting the Act at this time is not the answer. We must increase transparency and accountability in how we operate and govern the system. And, at this pace, revisiting the Act without seriously examining what is at stake may land us in much deeper problems. We have heard sensible lectures and discussions about why NLTPA should be abolished. Mind you, pragmatism is just another sort of relativism. The primary is not about the wellbeing of ordinary people; it is about how the wealthy may profit, which is bad. The question is not what is the correct thing to do; rather, it is how much I will gain. Both pragmatism and relativism require us to forego ultimate principles in order to pursue and satisfy our goals. Such abandoning can result in anarchy, in which each individual pursues a lifestyle centred on personal gain. This occurs when we stop thinking about God and start doing things our own way.

We are not a theocratic state, but we are a Christian-majority state. This should differentiate us. Comparing ourselves to others can only lead to anger and disappointment. Our ethical decisions must not be influenced by what others do, think, or gain. We must do things differently to respect God. We all have defects and fail in our vocational and professional endeavours, but we should not constantly discuss others’ shortcomings and want to emulate them. Our ambition, greed, and conceit should not interfere with our desire to honour God. We must continually seek to impact the world by focusing on what pleases God rather than what pleases people. Rather than listening to what would please men, we should always seek to impact the world by listening to what pleases God. Both God and the pulse of the majority need to be heard. In this day and age, we can’t just “leave God” and judge ourselves by the actions of others. Evil never goes away and rather gets more glaring. Our honourable minister’s press release made a comparison that amounted to “the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.”

The undersigned church leaders admit that Nagaland is a “revenue-starved” state. However, the NLTP Act shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat for that. The state can consider other options, no doubt about it. It is a farce to all of us as a Christian majority state that we would choose to hold the NLTP Act responsible for our failure to advance as a state. The thing that has killed us and keeps killing our people is always considered the biggest fat cow. We need to examine the reasons behind the NLTP’s failure more closely.

Our culture values a good bottom line. There are so many things at stake, and in situations like ours, we may be tempted to blame others. However, when we combine unhealthy dosages of ambition while disregarding the greater importance of our religious beliefs and cultural values, we create a hazardous cocktail that might result in a destructive hangover. We can also be readily enticed to employ techniques or methods that contradict biblical commands and societal ideals. In such a circumstance, we must be willing to seek and obey God’s values at all levels, rather than just concluding that society has changed, regardless of the practical repercussions. At this point, it would be too spiteful and wrong for our government to just dismiss the church’s prayers and voices.

We have called for a day of collective prayer. Our prayers are with our leaders, like you, who rule our state on our behalf. In the name of God and our Lord Jesus Christ, we urge our honourable leaders to heed to His still tiny voice at this critical moment.

Signatories

Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener President, NBCC

Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho General Secretary, NBCC -`1

Ms. A. Bideno Kikon Secretary, CED, NBCC

Rev. Vezopa Rhakho President, KBPF

Rev. Medosalhou Rhutsu President, ABCC Pastors & Deacons Fellowship

Rev. L Meren Kichu President, Ao Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship

Rev. Dzüthokü Kezo

Chairman, CBCC Pastors’ Fellowship

Mr. Yhunthunglo Khing President, CRBC

Rev. Achu Chang Vice-President, NBCC

Ms. Visasieti Dolie Women Secretary, NBCC

Rev. Noksa S. Chiu Finance Secretary, NBCC

Red. Savito Nagi President, ABCC

Rev. Dr. L. Lima Jamir President, ABAM

Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao President, CBCC

Rev. Haiwalo Apon Executive Secy, CRBC

Dr. Igumpeule Ndang Vice-President, NBCC

Rev. N. Suhuto Chishi Youth Secretary, NBCC

Rev. Lipok Pongen Secretary, NMM

Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo Executive Director, ABCC

Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener Executive Secy, ABAM

Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o Executive Secy, CBCC

Rev. Achu Chang Executive Secy, CBLT

Pastor Tsüno President, KBCA

Rev. P.Hempao Executive Secy, KBCA

Mr. Seilun Singson President, KBA

Mr. Amos Zeliang President, LBA

Rev. Dr. H. A. Zhimomi Executive Secy, NPBCA

Mr. Disie Katiry President, PBCC

Rev. Mathiuthai Gonmei Executive Secy, RBCAN

Rev. Y. Imtiba Sangtam Executive Secy, USBLA

K. Yimto President, YBBA

D. Kupua Zeme President, ZBAN

Mr.Nokpai Konyak President, KBBB

Rev David Vaiphei Executive Secy, KBA

Rev.Kitanwi Chewang Executive Secy, LBA

Rev. H. Beaü Phom President, PBCA

Rev. Rümatho Nyusou Executive Secy, PBCC

Rev. Kughato K. Chophi Executive Secy, SBAK (Nito Mount)

P. Kiyekhu Yeputhomi President, WSBAK

Rev. Dr. S.J. Akhum Executive Secy, YBBA

Mr. Ariebo Executive Secy, ZBAN

Rev. L. Metjen Executive Secy, KBBB

Rev. Lamkholun Singson Chairman, Pastor Fellowship, KBA

Mr. N. Tialemba Phom Executive Secy, PBCA

Mr. Tovishe P. Shohe Executive Secy, SABAK

Mr. Lipichem Sangtam President, USBLA

Rev. Dr. Phughoto Sema Executive Secy, WSBAK

Dr. James President, Yimkhiung Baptist Pastors’ Union

Rev. Suitei Ndang President, ZB CC

Dr. Rampaukopoing Executive Secy, ZBCC

Dr. PK Jacob President, NBCA

Rev. Dr. Ricky Medom NCF, Delhi

Dr. Gopal Chetri President, AGBCN

Rev. Dr. K. Santabir Rai Executive Secy, AGBCN

Rev. Lumstiio Ezung, Executive Secy, NBCA

Ms. Abeni Lotha Chairman, Pastors’ Fellowship NBCA

Rev. Muluote Nyuwi President, Pastors’ Fellowship,PBCC