Thousands of Christians rallied in Kohima, northeastern India, over measures they say threaten their rights.
By Bijay Kumar Minj, UCA News
About 5,000 Christians in India’s northeastern Nagaland state joined a rally calling on the federal government to safeguard religious freedom, freedom of conscience and constitutional rights.
The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, an ecumenical body in the Christian-majority state, organized the rally in the state capital Kohima on Sept. 12, drawing participants from various Christian denominations.
The rally ended with the submission of a nine-point memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu through Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, the federal government’s representative in the state.
Among the main concerns raised in the charter are proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, compulsory singing of the national song Vande Mataram, and the continuation of the Protected Area Permit system and Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
The federal government, led by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sought to change the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) law amid strong criticism from Christians at home and abroad.
The proposed amendments seek to tighten control over Christian charities and allow government seizure of their properties once the mandatory Foreign Contribution (Regulation) registration required for permission to obtain foreign funds is revoked.
The BJP government also triggered controversy and protests after urging states to ensure the national song Vande Mataram is fully sung in national and state-level public events.
Critics and religious minorities allege several stanzas of the song are dedicated to Hindu deities, making it inappropriate for them.
The Protected Area Permit is a travel document required for non-Indian citizens to visit certain areas in India, especially in northeastern states, which rights groups term as unnecessary and discriminatory.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is considered a draconian law that gives sweeping legal and operational powers to security forces in areas designated as “disturbed areas” and is criticized for being used as a tool of suppression in various northeastern states.
Church leaders call for protections
The forum’s president, Pastor N. Paphino, said Nagaland’s people are concerned about their rights and freedoms and speak “as Indians and as Christians.”
He said national unity should not be confused with religious or cultural uniformity and should not be forced upon them.
The forum’s joint secretary, Father George Rino, said Naga Christians are genuinely concerned about their freedom, facing pressure due to controversial legislation and regulations.
He insisted on more consultations with stakeholders on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act amendments to ensure Christian-run charitable services are not harmed or obstructed.
Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima said Christians are not against legislation or regulation to maintain national security, accountability and welfare of people
But “regulation must not become persecution,” he said.
Father Jacob Charalel, chancellor of the Diocese of Kohima, described the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act law as harsh, saying it gives security personnel extensive powers and immunity from prosecution.
“Nagaland is a peaceful state now, so the government should think of abolishing this act as this is very dangerous,” the priest told UCA News.
He also questioned the continuation of the Protected Area Permit system for foreign visitors, terming it unnecessary.
Naga student leader Kegwayhun Tep said the time has come for the government to seriously take note that these harsh measures are no longer needed.
Featured image: Children and young people pray the Rosary in the Diocese of Idukki, India, in an undated photograph. (OSV News/courtesy of ACN)
