Online petition urged Indian Government to reverse decision
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 2 (MExN): Over 4,500 supporters have signed an online petition calling for the Indian Government to reverse its decision to deny entry to Pastor John Roughton, who is the founder and senior pastor of Spirit of Faith Church in Nagaland.
Roughton, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), was denied entry into India and deported from Delhi airport “without a proper explanation” on October 31. Roughton, a US citizen, has lived and worked in Nagaland for over 30 years, contributing to spiritual and social development in the region, the petition on change.org stated.
The petition, titled “Bring Back Pastor John to His Family,” alleged that the deportation occurred without explanation, separating the pastor from his Indian wife, Zhepi, and their children. The appeal emphasized that his removal violates his rights under the OCI framework and disrupts his ministry, which has served thousands of people.
“Pastor John has not been a visitor or an outsider; he has been family to India,” stated the petition, arguing that his deportation undermines the constitutional right to practice and propagate religion under Article 25.
Supporters of the petition have described the action as an injustice. “This decision not only disrupts Pastor John’s personal life but also jeopardizes the continuity of his ministry, a ministry that has provided hope, faith, and support to thousands,” the petition read.
A second petition on Change.org echoed similar sentiments, appealing for the restoration of his OCI status and his return to Nagaland. Together, the petitions highlighted concerns about the application of laws governing religious freedoms and foreign nationals with OCI cards.
