Church leaders to launch pledge stickers

Dimapur, Nov. 18 (EMN): Church and public leaders including chairmen of various colonies have announced to give away clean election ‘Pledge Stickers’ on November 26 at their respective churches for distribution to various households. This was unanimously decided during the ‘2nd consultative meet for clean election in Dimapur’ on November 17 held at North-East Institute of Social Science and Research (NEISSR) conference hall. The meet was organised by Dimapur Christian Forum (DCF) in collaboration with Peace Channel. The meeting was moderated by Fr. Chacko K, Secretary DCF, in which Simon Kelio, Vice Principal of Sakus Mission College and Convener of DUCCF (Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation), and Dr. Panger, Lecturer of Oriental Theology Seminary, were the keynote speakers. Simon, in his address, introduced the concept of the ‘Pledge Stickers’ and shared the implementation plan for clean election through the stickers. He said that the sticker was an initiative of DUCCF, GBs’ Union and the churches. He elucidated that, “The sticker will be distributed to all the unit churches, pastor and leaders where the unit churches will take the initiative of distributing it to the members of the church – one each to a family who would commit themselves on clean election principle.” Referring the sticker as the blood of the lamb in the Bible (Exodus 12) where God instructed His people to kill an unblemished lamb and sweep the blood of the lamb on the post of door, he said that the sticker will be a sign of protection for the household who takes the pledge from all evil practices, corruption and unethical principles. He hoped that the sticker will be a success especially with the participation of the churches. The house deliberated and discussed as to how best the stickers can be implemented and what church leaders or colony chairmen could do concerning clean election campaign for the betterment of Naga society. Many prominent church leaders, Head of Institutions, representative of GBs’ union and colony chairmen gave their opinions and suggestions. The members have decided not to declare any particular candidate as a favourite of the ward, village or particular church. It was also put forward during the discussion that the culture of praying for the candidate by the pastors during election becomes necessary and unavoidable, despite the incorrect notion of some individuals, by the very fact that the pastors are called to serve God and the people. The house also opined that the concept of “One man, One Vote” should be emphasised more because of the fact that some voters have double enrolment within Dimapur and in their respective villages. Dr. Panger said that the clean election campaign is not about rejecting everything related to election and being inactive towards it. He believed that it is about doing things the right way by not involving oneself in corruptive practices. It was also put forward that the social and political disorder in Nagaland is more of a spiritual problem and the lack of commitment to spirituality and henceforth there is a need for the churches to “fast and pray.” Earlier, Rev. Paphino invoked God’s blessing, while the welcome address was delivered by Rev. RP Murry, chairman DCF, in which he also briefed on the need of the church in leading the clean election campaign. The purpose of the meeting was to find out ways and means of collaborating with the churches, GBs as well as chairmen of various colonies for clean election through the pledge sticker. Church leaders, pastors, reverend, members of DUCCF, Goan Burahs and chairmen of various colonies attended the meeting.