Photo Courtesy: nenow
Aizawl: Mizoram's political factions are pushing back against the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. The legislation, introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session, is now up for consideration in the Monsoon Session. Local leaders fear the bill threatens the funding of schools, churches, orphanages, and NGOs.
Lalchhandama Ralte, vice-president of the Mizo National Front, issued a firm directive to the state's two MPs. He demanded they actively vote against the measure rather than abstaining. "The MNF is firmly opposed to the FCRA Amendment Bill. We expect the state's MPs in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to strongly oppose it and not simply abstain during the voting," Ralte stated. Both representatives currently belong to the ruling Zoram People's Movement.
The MNF alleges the bill centralizes control over foreign funds and imposes harsh rules on organizational assets. Party president Zoramthanga is in New Delhi to press the matter with central leaders. Ralte suggested that Mizoram should copy the strategy used by Nagaland and Meghalaya, where officials and church heads met with Union leaders directly.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee is demanding more aggressive action. They called for a special session of the state Assembly to pass a formal resolution against the amendments. General secretary Lalbiakzama urged Chief Minister Lalduhoma to stop relying on church leaders as a buffer. "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," Lalbiakzama said. The Congress also held a Black Day protest on July 21 to highlight these grievances.
The Congress party further warned that national moves, such as mandates regarding the singing of Vande Mataram, threaten religious freedom. Currently, the state government plans to submit a memorandum to the Centre. Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently met with the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee and the Council of Churches in Mizoram to finalize their position.
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