Sir,
The protests by Wokha and Mokokchung religious leaders against the immersion of ashes of Late Prime Minister of India (A.B.Vajpayee) attracted our attention and we would like to express our views on this.
True, Nagaland is for Christ and the vast majority here are Christians. But can we stop the death related rituals of people belonging to other faiths? Or should we? If such rituals for a Hindu or a Muslim from Nagaland can be allowed in Nagaland, why not that of Vajpayee, the first Prime Minister of India who had fully understood the pains of Nagaland?
When a Hindu Temple or a Muslim Mosque is constructed in Nagaland and wherefrom the land is coming? From outside? Is is not a fact that these lands are purchased from Nagas only? Or, selling land for non-christian worship places is not against our faith but immersion of ashes of a National leader in our river is a threat to our faith? We fail to understand this logic. Water of a river flows down and down to the ocean while the worship places stands permanently on our soil. Why this double standard?
Or if it was Mr.Temjen the target, we think he has got his freedom to associate himself as President of State Unit of his party to show the last respect to the departed icon of the party. We don’t think he violated any Christian norm by being present on the occasion and we don’t think he was allowed to take part in the rituals. Only Hindus can perform such rituals. Non-Hindus cannot. Just like our Christian faith.
We have very close non-christian friends. If they die in Nagaland and if we too be present on their last rites will we be blamed too? We wonder.
Christianity is much more broad minded and Jesus saves all, not only the Christians but also everyone else who needs to be saved.
We do not know much about comparative theology. We only know that Christ is broad enough to accommodate everyone.
Let truth prevail. Ignorance may not be always a bliss.
Hutoi Chophy
