By Felix Anthony,

Miao, November 1, 2021: Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla has called on Arunachal Pradesh’s two Catholic bishops and discussed crucial issues affecting Christians in the northeastern Indian state and the country.

The minister was on a five-day tour that ended October 31.

He met Bishop John Thomas of Itanagar on October 28 and Bishop George Pallipparambil two days later at their residences.

Bishop Thomas expressed happiness at the minister’s visit which he said was a recognition of the presence of minorities in the state.

The minister was apprised of the difficulties faced by the minorities, especially Christians, in various states of India.

Minister Barla with Arunachal children
“We are happy that the minister gave us a patient hearing to our concerns and assured us that all our concerns would be addressed,” Bishop Thomas said.

Barla met Bishop Pallipparambil on the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Welcoming the minister on his maiden visit to the state, the Salesian bishop said, “It is indeed a happy coincidence that our Honorable Minister, John Barla, is here with us in Miao diocese when our Prime Minister is making his maiden visit to the Holy Father.”

Terming the visit of the central minister to the diocese as a rare privilege, Bishop Pallipparambil thanked Barla for the visit and explained the various schemes available with the government for the minorities.

“God has chosen you to be his instrument and as you have told us how you have experienced God’s help in various stages of your life. We assure you of our continued prayers,” the Miao bishop said.

Minister Barla and Bishop Pallipparambil with the religious of Miao diocese
Barla, the only Catholic in the federal Council of Ministers, spoke of his many years of active association with the Church as a catechist. “I owe to God everything I am today. My life as a catechist in my village for four years has had a role in shaping my life. I promise to work for the minorities in the country and would do everything within my capacity to stand for the poor as I too come from a humble background and I can relate to their concerns better,” said the minister talking to the Church leaders present at the Miao bishop’s residence.

The Minister visited Christ the Light Shrine in Miao and lighted candles and offered prayers for peace and prosperity of the country as it gears up to celebrate the Festival of Light, Diwali.

Barla was elected to the Lok Sabha, lower house of the Parliament of India, from Alipurduar, West Bengal, in the 2019 Indian general election as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He defeated Dasrath Tirkey of All India Trinamool Congress by more than 200,000 votes. He was inducted into the federal council of minister on July 7 this year.

He used to work in the tea gardens of Alipurduar district when he was 14. After that, he began working for the welfare of the tea workers.