Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday. He demanded protections for local Christian institutions. The state delegation includes leaders from the Presbyterian Church, the Archdiocese of Shillong, and the Garo Baptist Convention. They fear the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026 threatens their daily operations.
The group specifically targeted Section 16A(5) of the proposed law. This clause lets the government seize assets built with foreign funds. It includes land, schools, and hospitals. These facilities fill massive gaps in rural and remote healthcare and education where state services fail to reach. Nearly 75 percent of Meghalaya identifies as Christian. Disrupting these networks would cripple public service across the region.
Sangma pushed for a balanced approach. He wants the Centre to respect Meghalaya’s unique needs. "Any changes to the law should not disrupt the functioning of genuine institutions engaged in public service," Sangma said. The delegation maintained they support transparency but worry about the potential for government overreach.
Amit Shah promised a review. He directed the Union Home Secretary to study the specific recommendations submitted by the church bodies. The North East India Christian Council remains optimistic about this move. A follow-up meeting is expected shortly. Meanwhile, local groups like the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum are calling for a formal state assembly resolution to reject the bill entirely.
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