PAPPU NALLAH, Dec 26: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has urged religious leaders to play active roles in “promoting core religious values that bind the society in bonds of humanity.”
Joining the capital’s Catholic community in celebrating Christmas at the Sacred Heart Church here on Monday, Mein urged people to be inspired by the life of Jesus Christ, who worked for world peace, compassion and love.
“No religion teaches hatred and violence. Indeed, every religion stands for promoting peace, harmony, and love for humanity,” the DCM said.
Lauding the efforts of the Christian community in the development of the state, particularly in the field of education, he urged them to continue contributing to the prosperity of the state in the health, agriculture, and horticulture sectors, as well.
Saying that the government is committed to the welfare of every religion, the DCM said several welfare schemes are being undertaken for the uplift of every religion in the state. He also urged the people to actively participate in the movement of building a “New Arunachal.”
State BJP President Tapir Gao said Christmas is an opportunity to share god’s peace and joy.
“It is about tolerance, forgiveness, and love,” he added.
Pakke-Kessang MLA Biyuram Waghe, Vicar General of the Itanagar Diocese, Fr Jacob Mattathilany, Parish Council Secretary Tadar Dominic, Christmas Organising Committee Chairperson Higio Yama, and General Secretary Nangbia Bath also spoke.
Earlier, a mass prayer was conducted in the morning to shower blessings on everyone.
The DCM later inspected the under-construction site of the new Sacred Heart Church.