Dimapur, December 6 (MExN): The Rising Peoples Party (RPP) has expressed concern over the recent deportation of Pastor John Roughton, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) and long-standing member of Dimapur's Spirit of Faith Church. Pastor Roughton was unexpectedly sent back to the United States, a move the RPP described as "unfair and disheartening."
In a statement issued on December 6, the RPP highlighted that Pastor Roughton had never faced issues regarding his stay or activities in India. "He is a deeply entrenched member of our community, and there has never been any indication that he posed a threat to the integrity of India nor was he in violation of any regulations as an OCI," the RPP said. The party speculated that the deportation appeared to be linked solely to his pastoral activities.
The RPP condemned the action as "a grave oversight" that undermines the secular foundation of the country. "The government must act swiftly," the RPP urged, calling on the Nagaland Government to engage with the relevant authorities. The party emphasized the longstanding contributions of Pastor Roughton and his wife, Zhepitoli Zhimomi, to the Christian community, describing them as "good citizens" whose work has been invaluable over decades.
The RPP also called on the people of Nagaland to stand in solidarity with the couple, warning of broader implications. "Today, the Roughtons are facing the brunt of a majoritarian policy; tomorrow, the same policy may cast a long shadow over the entire state," the party stated.
