Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Kohima: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council issued a firm directive on September 25. They want the Centre and state government to stop scheduling official business on Sundays. These events include government meetings, public activities, and electoral tasks. The council argues that administrative speed must not trample on religious freedom.
Electoral roll updates triggered the current dispute. Officials initially planned to publish the Phek district draft electoral roll on September 20, a Sunday. The state moved that date to September 21. However, the final electoral roll publication remains set for November 22. This date also lands on a Sunday. Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat noted in a Kohima press conference that her office simply follows the schedule set by the Election Commission.
Banking also drew fire. Reports suggest public sector and regional rural banks will operate on September 27. This decision aims to keep services moving before a three-day national bank strike starts on September 28. The NBCC questions why the state treats Sunday as a flexible workday only when economic needs arise. They believe Sunday worship deserves consistent recognition.
The council rejects the idea that they want special treatment. They ask for governance rooted in sensitivity and respect for the conscience of citizens. They stated, “There is no inherent conflict between conducting an important constitutional exercise and respecting the worship practices of citizens,” during their announcement. The NBCC now calls for authorities to consult with religious leaders before setting dates that clash with Sunday observances.
Updated at 26th September 2026 at 1:48am
The statement was signed by General Secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener and Secretary of Social Concern Dr. Villo Naleo. They clarified that the church does not view Sunday as a day to avoid public duty, but rather as a time for spiritual renewal that deserves a seat at the table during government planning.
To prevent future friction, the council is demanding a formal mechanism where authorities consult with religious and community leaders before finalizing dates for major events. They warned that a government prioritizing administrative convenience over the conscience of its people risks eroding its own moral foundation.
Updated at 26th September 2026 at 9:47am
The council invoked history to press its point, citing a 1977 incident involving former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Back then, Cabinet Secretary N.K. Mukarji successfully pushed for the rescheduling of a governors conference that conflicted with Christmas Day. The NBCC uses this precedent to argue that the state has a long-standing responsibility to respect religious identity and conscience over mere administrative efficiency.
Church leaders also warned the administration against using convenience as a shield. They stated, "A government that hears only the demands of administration but remains deaf to the conscience of its people risks losing the moral foundation of governance." They urged the state to treat Sunday as a protected day for worship rather than an interchangeable block of time used only when the economy hits a snag.
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