Dimapur, Jan 14 : The Governor of Maharashtra S. C. Jamir has said that Christians in India could play a pivotal role in restoring peace, harmony and unity in the country in the present scenario of turmoil. For this purpose, they must awaken their conscience and assert their belief in Christianity.
"Our greatest weapon should be love, compassion and faith in the living God," he said according to a press note issued by the Governor’s Public Relation Officer.
Jamir was speaking at a Peace Meeting (Shanti Milan) organised by the 'Fellowship of Bishops in Mumbai' at YMCA International, Mumbai on Monday.
Archbishop of Bombay, Oswald Cardinal Gracias and Malankara Orthodox Syrian Archbishop of Bombay Metropolitan Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Bishop of Kalyan Diocese Mar Thomas Elavanal, Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities Michael Pinto, Media personality Roger Pereira, Vice-Chancellor of Dr D. Y. Patil University Prof. James Thomas and other eminent personalities were present on the occasion.
Jamir said that “in the past the entire country would respond whenever there was a crisis in one part of the country or the other.
Leaders of those days were truly leaders of India. Parliament in those days always debated national agenda wherein people from all political parties would participate”.
He regretted that this feeling of fellowship towards citizens was declining. In this connection, Jamir pointed out that the North East in general and Nagaland in particular had been facing worst kind of terrorism for more than 30 years and yet there was little or no response either from the people or the Christian fraternity of India.
Mentioning that Naxalism was the outcry of a hungry people, Jamir said the problem arose because tribals were uprooted from their homes and no arrangement was made for their proper rehabilitation.
The Governor said that a lasting peace could be established by adopting humanitarian and compassionate approach towards problems like Naxalism, insurgency, etc.
A two-minute silence was observed to pay homage to victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.