(January 15, 2009) Indian Christians should respond more actively to social evils
and terrorism affecting society aiming to bring peace and harmony, says Maharashtra
governor Sanayangba Chubatoshi Jamir. "Christians in India could play an important
role in restoring peace, harmony and unity in the country under the prevailing circumstances,"
he told a peace meet on Jan. 12 organized by the Fellowship of the Mumbai Bishops.
He said in the decades after independence India used to respond in unison if one part
of the country faced a tragedy. But that spirit slowly died down. As an example he
pointed the case of north east India. For the past several decades terrorism and secessionism
have been spilling blood in the region, particularly in Nagaland. But no one seems
to respond, even Christians keep mum, he said. Nagaland is one of India’s only three
Christian majority states. The region also houses the other two Christian majority
states. Maoist groups working in the interiors villages of India are “an outcry of
the hungry.” These groups are often accused of indulging in violence against the state
and land owners. Such violence and insurgency could be checked if people are approached
compassion and humanitarian regards, he said adding Christians can do much in this
line. Fellowship of the Mumbai Bishops includes Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai,
Orthodox Syrian Archbishop of Bombay metropolitan Gee Varghese Mar Coorilos, Bishop
Mar Thomas Elavanal of Kalyan.