On Saturday, thousands of Christians gathered at Khouchiezie in Kohima to protest proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). The rally, organized by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), drew an estimated 5,000 participants, according to Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, the forum’s convenor, who said more than 3,000 programme sheets were distributed.
Phesao told reporters that the protest was aimed at defending constitutional rights, religious freedom and equality. He emphasized that the Christian community remains patriotic and wishes for peace and prosperity in India. He urged political leaders to ensure that any laws or amendments serve all citizens regardless of religion, faith or community.
The forum expressed concerns that the proposed FCRA changes could negatively affect Christian institutions and charitable organisations. While churches in Nagaland do not receive foreign contributions, colleges, universities and other charities do. The amendments, which would tighten registration and renewal procedures, require audit reports and could impact property and land holdings, the forum warned that the wording could create dangerous and difficult conditions for these organisations.
NJCF submitted a memorandum to the President of India through the Governor of Nagaland, urging the Centre to enforce the FCRA impartially and hold violators accountable irrespective of religious affiliation. The forum clarified that it does not seek dilution of the Act but wants uniform enforcement. It also opposed compulsory singing of Vande Mataram where portions conflict with Christian beliefs, citing Articles 25 and 28(3) of the Constitution and a 1986 Supreme Court judgment.
The memorandum called for the repeal of the Protected Area Permit regime and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, and urged the Joint Parliamentary Committee to consult grassroots stakeholders, including beneficiaries of charitable institutions, and to hold consultations in remote areas. NJCF leaders reiterated that they are peace‑loving and will continue to raise concerns through peaceful means, stressing that their stance should not be seen as opposition to India or its Constitution.
