Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has unequivocally denounced the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent scheduling of the upcoming Assembly by-election, with the date of counting falling on December 3, a Sunday.
However, as Sunday held deep significance for the Christians worldwide as a day of worship, reflection and strengthening their faith, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung in a statement noted that the decision to set the by-election counting date on Sunday appeared to disregard the sanctity of this day for Christian community. Hence, they urged the government to reevaluate the decision and explore alternative options that honoured the religious diversity of all people.
NSF said this contentious choice, which had been a matter of debate ever since the BJP assumed office, had raised concerns over the potential disregard for the religious practices and beliefs of the Christian community.
Further, the NSF leaders questioned the Central government’s rational of imposing official activities, events and programmes time and again on a day that carried religious significant for many of the citizens.
They stated that the decisions seemed to underscore lack of consideration for religious diversity and contradicted the foundation principles of equality and secularism that the democracy upheld. “We are troubled by the perception of a communal stance display by the Central government, which seems to disproportionately affect the Christian faith and practice, in the diverse and multicultural country like India. It is imperative that the government upholds respect for religious beliefs and practices of all its citizens,” they stressed.
The duo stated that the decision to count votes of the Assembly by-election on Sunday could be interpreted as a failure to respect the religious practice and beliefs of the Christian community. They emphasised that it was imperative to accommodate the religious obligation of all citizens, as this was fundamental to preserving the principles of democracy and secularism.