Nagaland peace rally protests violence on Christians

Faithful Christians over thousand joined in a peaceful protest rally in Dimapur, Nagaland, to show solidarity with the persecuted Christians across India.

All private schools and colleges remained closed while Christians holding placards such as “Shame India Shame,” “We Want Secular India,” “Love Your Brothers Not Hate,” and “Stop Killing Christians in Orrisa” condemned the attack on minority Christians by the VHP, Bajrang Dal and the Sangh Parivar organisations.

The event that was jointly organized by the Christian Forum Dimapur, Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Women Association, Dimapur Naga Students’ Federation, and Nagaland Theological Colleges Association even demanded a ban on Bajrang Dal, accused for the recent violence against Christians in Orissa.

The President of the Christian Forum Dimapur condemned the violence and the organizations involved in the attacks adding “their (VHP and Bajrang Dal, and RSS) ideology and aim is to turn India into a Hindu nation.”

“It’s a shame on Indian democracy and Christians in India will be forced to defend themselves.” He also appealed to Hindu leaders present by saying: “You know who is Bajrang Dal, VHP…please inform your people…”

Dimapur Naga Students’ Federation President, Solomom Awomi requested the state authorities not to confront the violence against Christians based on religion. "Government is not for one community or one religion,” he said.

Praising the Hindu–Christian relations in Nagaland Mr. Awomi added: “We don’t force Hindus to convert or we don’t threaten them, but we pray for them and love them.”

The rally concluded with songs, prayers, and speeches by leaders from both church organisations and civil societies.