The head of the Catholic Church in Nagaland has sought prayers as the northeastern Indian state faces what he says are “moments of darkness and uncertainty” in finding peaceful solution to the Naga problem.
The peace process has entered a critical juncture after the federal government and Naga national leaders signed a “framework agreement,” says Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima in a letter addressed to Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
Bishop Mascarenhas shared with media the August 8 letter that notes certain confusion over future as people are not sure “where to turn, what to believe, whom to trust, what to expect, how to be involved.”
Such uncertainty and “moments of darkness” can be overcome only through God’s enlightenment, guidance and inspiration, says Bishop Thoppil. “These can be obtained only by being alert and docile to the Spirit, which come only by prayer,” asserted the 58-year-old prelate who took over the diocese’s administration six years ago.
He urged the CBCI to join the Naga people, who have set apart August 15 as a special day of prayer.
