SHILLONG: The Centre's decision to observe 'Digital India Day' on April 14, the day observed by Christians world over as Good Friday, was on Wednesday opposed in various quarters in Meghalaya and Nagaland.
Prayers and penance are held on Good Friday after the devout have observed 40 or 50 days of fasting to commemorate what is believed to have been the crucifixion of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. Good Friday is one of the most important days in the religious calendar for Christians, and a public holiday in India.
The Nagaland government, of which the Bharatiya Janata Party is a part, will not join any activity relating to promotion of Digital India programme. The ruling Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance government led by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has decided not to participate in the Digital Day programmes. The opposition Hill State People's Democratic Party and National People's Party have also opposed the Centre's move.
"Is it that they selectively identifying these dates to marginalise the minorities with a complete disregard to the constitutional obligation of ensuring personal liberty?" the Congress leader asked.
Lok Sabha member Conrad K Sangma of the National People's Party (NPP), a BJP ally, on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge him to defer the Digital India Day programme. Nagaland Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar said the state government will not join any activity relating to promotion of digital payment on Good Friday.
In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had declared that December 25, Christmas Day, would be observed as Good Governance Day. There was much objection expressed about it but it came to naught.
Curiously, Kerala and Goa, where Christians are a large and influential minority have not raised objections. Some parts of Kerala face another dilemma as the solemn occasion of Good Friday falls on the same day as Vishu celebrations. Movie buffs in central Kerala, where there are a large number of Christians, are waiting to see if movie theatres, which are usually shut on Good Friday will open for the grand Vishu releases.