CBCC objects to govt order banning religious, NGO stickers on vehicles

DIMAPUR, MAY 11 (NPN): Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) has expressed strong objection to the transport department notification banning display of religion-based, NGO-based or any unauthorized slogans, signages, stickers and identifiers on all private and public vehicles.
In a press release, CBCC appreciated the government’s move to streamline the random and self-styled display of one’s designations and exclusive or divisive hoardings, but termed as “unfortunate” the unspecified vague order for all NGOs and religious institutions.
CBCC stated that churches could exist without displaying nomenclatures of local churches or associations, but questioned the intent behind the order.
It maintained that while church organisations and institutions need not display designations such as general secretary, executive secretary, director or pastor, there was nothing wrong with displaying the name of the church, insignia and other identifiers as an expression of faith.
CBCC argued that Christianity mandated believers to profess their faith in “visible and audible forms,” including written expressions, and cited Biblical references from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 in support of its position.
CBCC urged the state government, particularly the transport department, to revisit the order and issue a clear and specified guideline so citizens of all religions could understand what was authorized and what was prohibited.
The council alleged that inclusion of NGOs in the order appeared intended to “conceal the hidden agenda,” and claimed the move amounted to an indirect attack on Christianity. It asserted that the church could not remain a “silent spectator” if religious rights and freedoms were infringed upon.
CBCC also questioned whether the government had “fallen into the trap of pagan conspiracy” or had “turned against the Church”.
“Nagaland is a Christian dominated State, for which Christians must not rise against the Christians lest we all perish together!” CBCC stated.
At the same time, the council stated that it respected the state government as an authority “ordained by God” and would continue to respect its decisions as long as they remained unbiased. However, CBCC maintained that any move that infringed the religious rights and freedom of the citizens would be resented.