Photo Courtesy: nenow
Aizawl: Mizoram is bracing for a showdown over the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Amendment Bill. The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee is demanding an immediate special session of the state Assembly to formally reject the proposed legislation. Tensions are running high. The bill, introduced during the Budget Session, is now set for a vote during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Critics warn the bill will devastate churches, schools, orphanages, and various non-governmental organizations that rely on foreign funding. The Congress party wants Chief Minister Lalduhoma to step up. They argue the state must lead the resistance rather than hiding behind church organizations. "Rather than using church leaders as a front, the Mizoram Government and our chief minister must take the lead to fulfil the demands of the people," stated Congress general secretary Lalbiakzama.
The Mizo National Front has also joined the fray. Vice-president Lalchhandama Ralte called on the state's two MPs to actively vote against the bill instead of abstaining. The ruling Zoram People's Movement holds both seats in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha but remains unaligned with major national coalitions. Ralte noted that counterparts in Nagaland and Meghalaya are already lobbying in New Delhi. He believes Mizoram must follow suit.
The Congress held a Black Day protest on July 21 to voice their dissent. They accuse the NDA government of using regulatory traps to choke funding for Northeast Christian groups. Further friction stems from proposed requirements to sing "Vande Mataram" at official functions. The party argues that including verses praising Hindu deities violates constitutional religious freedoms. They cite historical precedents where Mahatma Gandhi ensured such verses were omitted. The push for a unified state response continues as party leaders urge Chief Minister Lalduhoma to lead an all-party delegation to the capital.
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