In a show of solidarity, around 2,000 people comprising Christians, Hindus and Muslims undertook a peace rally Thursday in Dimapur, to protest against \u201cpersecution of Christians\u201d in Orissa and other states of India by Hindu radical groups like VHP and Bajrang Dal.\nVarious speakers at the rally, which converged here at Clock Tower Junction, condemned the attack on Christians and churches in various states, and called for immediate action from both the Centre and respective state governments, to stop such atrocities against the Christian community.
\nAppealing for peaceful co-existence of various communities, the speakers in the rally organized by Christian Forum Dimapur, also pointed out that though Nagaland was a Christian state, there was not a single instance of \u201cforced conversion\u201d or persecution based on religious lines.
\nRev. Daniel Shayan who chaired the rally programme, rubbished allegations of \u201cforced conversion\u201d by Christians in states like Orissa and Karnataka. Rev. Shayan asked when there was not a single case of forced conversion in a Christian-majority state like Nagaland, how could forced conversion be possible in Hindu-dominated states like Orissa and Karnataka.
\nHe also hit out at the BJP and its leader LK Advani stating that when the BJP leader was in Shillong, he expressed sympathy for the Christians. But as soon as he was out of Northeast, Advani demanded a debate on forced conversion.
\nRev. Shayan further said even Christians could take up arms to defend themselves but that Christians do not ascribe to violence.
\nNaga Council Dimapur president Savi Liegise said it was unfortunate that a secular country like India, which had also given birth to Mahatma Gandhi, should witness such unprecedented attacks on Christians by a section of \u201creligious fanatics\u201d like VHP, RSS and Bajrang Dal.
\nPresident, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Mrs. Hukheli T Wotsa said befitting punishment should be given to perpetrators of communal violence and crimes, especially against women.
\nDimapur Naga Students\u2019 Union (DNSU) president Solomon Awomi said any government that failed to protect the lives and property of its citizens, should step down. He also cautioned that unless extremist groups like VHP and Bajrang Dal were banned, there would be no end to communal violence.
\nDr. Hukashe Zhimomi proposed vote of thanks while Rev. N Tsudir pronounced benediction.
\nEarlier, the rally which commenced from 3Circuit House junction and traversed the main thoroughfares of Dimapur, commenced with an invocation prayer offered by Rev. P Murry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"