Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma led a delegation to New Delhi to challenge proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. The group met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday. They raised alarms over Section 16A, Clause 5, of the 2026 Amendment Bill. This provision allows a designated authority to seize assets if an organization loses its registration. Schools, hospitals, and churches are at risk. These institutions serve remote areas where state infrastructure is thin.
The delegation included representatives from the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council, the Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong, and the Garo Baptist Convention. Notable attendees included Rev. H.L. Myrsing, Rev. S.C. Diengngan, Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, Fr. Teiboklang Kharbani, and Durasal R. Marak. They submitted a memorandum with clause-by-clause recommendations.
Christianity is the faith of roughly 74.6 percent of Meghalaya’s 2.21 million residents. Leaders argue the bill could trigger retrospective seizures of properties built with foreign funds since 1976. Rev. Edwin H. Kharkongor of the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum warned of the broad reach. He noted that over 37,000 registrations have already been cancelled nationwide.
"Any changes to the law should not disrupt the functioning of genuine institutions engaged in public service," Sangma stated after the meeting. The Home Minister promised that the Ministry of Home Affairs would study the memorandum. A follow-up meeting with the Union Home Secretary is expected soon.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar reaffirmed the state’s support for these groups. Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum has called for an Assembly resolution similar to the one passed in Kerala. Critics, including journalist A.J. Philip, warn that the bill grants excessive, Emergency-era style powers to the government.
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