A large section of people gathered at the Khouchiezie Local Ground, Kohima for a rally organised by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum on September 12. (Morung Photo)
Submits memorandum through Nagaland Governor
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 12
The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), representing Christian denominations across Nagaland, has submitted a memorandum raising concerns over constitutional rights, religious freedom, implementation of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), compulsory chanting of Vande Mataram, and continued enforcement of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the Northeast.
In its representation to the President of India through the Governor of Nagaland today, the NJCF urged the authorities to give a patient and impartial hearing to the concerns of the Christian community, particularly in view of what it described as growing pressure on minority communities and a perceived departure from the principle of constitutional neutrality.
The Forum said the Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice and propagate one’s faith. It also pointed to the rights of religious denominations to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes and to manage their religious affairs without undue state interference.
Concerns over FCRA scrutiny
The NJCF has expressed concern over the manner in which the FCRA is being applied to Christian institutions, rejecting allegations that foreign contributions received by Christian organisations are being used for forced conversions as “unsubstantiated.”
The Forum said Christian institutions run a wide range of charitable organisations serving marginalised and economically weaker sections, arguing that these services complement government social welfare efforts.
Welcoming the reference of the matter to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, the NJCF said the panel should function independently and engage with stakeholders at the grassroots level. It sought consultations not only with institutional heads and sponsors but also with beneficiaries of charitable programmes, particularly those in remote areas.
“Policies should not only be drafted by looking at files and sitting in comfortable chambers,” the Forum said, stressing the need to hear directly from ordinary citizens before decisions are taken.
The NJCF, however, clarified that it was not seeking a relaxation of the FCRA, saying organisations found misusing foreign contributions or diverting funds from declared purposes should face penalties, including cancellation of licences where warranted. It called for uniform implementation of the law, arguing that organisations belonging to different religious communities should face the same level of scrutiny.
Objection to compulsory Vande Mataram
NJCF objected to directives mandating the chanting of Vande Mataram as an expression of patriotism, saying patriotism should stem from voluntary civic commitment rather than compulsory recitation.
Noting India’s diverse faiths and traditions, the NJCF said religious conscience must be respected in matters involving spiritual or devotional expression.
It said portions of Vande Mataram understood to personify or deify the motherland create a conflict of conscience for some Christians, and compelling Christian students, teachers and public servants to recite it could place them in a difficult position regarding their religious beliefs.
Citing Article 25 of the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s 1986 judgment in Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala, the NJCF stressed that its objection should not be interpreted as a rejection of patriotism or civic responsibility.
It sought an administrative exemption for those with genuine religious objections, proposing that Christians be allowed to remain silent and respectful during the chanting. It also appealed that the song not be made compulsory in Christian institutions, saying they should be allowed to impart teachings consistent with their faith traditions.
“Let us not weaponise patriotism,” the NJCF said, arguing that patriotism should be nurtured freely rather than imposed.
Repeal PAP and AFSPA
The NJCF also criticised the continued enforcement of PAP regime and AFSPA in the Northeast, alleging these measures have isolated the region and contradicted the government’s stated goal of integrating it with national and global economic networks.
It noted the PAP regime as a barrier to international visitors, investors and observers, and expressed concern over the prolonged presence of military powers under AFSPA.
It said decades of security-centric governance had bred a sense of alienation among the region’s people, and called for a shift towards democratic partnership, civilian oversight and community-centred governance.
The NJCF demanded the repeal of AFSPA and abolition of the “archaic” PAP regime, besides greater emphasis on civil liberties and institutional dignity in the Northeast.
Appeal for impartial governance
The NJCF urged the authorities not to act on what it described as ‘biased or unsubstantiated’ narratives against minority communities.
It called for urgent steps to uphold India’s secular constitutional framework, protect legitimate charitable activities and safeguard freedom of religion for all communities.
The Forum reiterated that laws and policies should be applied fairly and without discrimination, while the concerns of religious and cultural minorities should be heard with sensitivity and due regard for constitutional rights.
The memorandum is appended by Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, Rev Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, Rev Dr N Paphino, RT Rev Dr James Thoppil, Dr Villo Naleo, Whezo Yhokha, Pastor Sunep Jamir, Rev Moses Murry, Thinuohielie Sachü, Rev Dr H Gideon and Rev Kevihulie Pienyü.
