Kohima: The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum delivered a memorandum to the President of India on September 12 through the state governor. The group raised alarms over the enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Protected Area Permit in the Northeast. They argue these security-heavy policies isolate the region and prevent economic growth. The forum demanded an end to both, calling for a transition to civilian-led governance.
The group also challenged current scrutiny under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. While they support penalties for any organization caught misusing funds, they reject claims that Christian charities use donations for forced conversions. The forum wants a Joint Parliamentary Committee to investigate these matters independently, including feedback from rural beneficiaries. They delivered a clear warning to lawmakers: "Policies should not only be drafted by looking at files and sitting in comfortable chambers."
Mandatory chanting of Vande Mataram remains a major point of friction. The forum stated that compulsory recitation forces a conflict of conscience for many Christians. They cited the Supreme Court decision in Bijoe Emmanuel versus the State of Kerala to argue for administrative exemptions. They suggest allowing students and public servants to remain silent during the song to respect their faith. The forum stated, "Let us not weaponise patriotism," insisting that civic duty should be voluntary.
The document was signed by key religious leaders including Rev Dr Vevo Phesao, Rev Dr Ruokuovilie Sachü, Rev Dr N Paphino, RT Rev Dr James Thoppil, Dr Villo Naleo, Whezo Yhokha, Pastor Sunep Jamir, Rev Moses Murry, Thinuohielie Sachü, Rev Dr H Gideon, and Rev Kevihulie Pienyü. The leaders urged the government to abandon biased narratives and uphold the secular framework of the Constitution.
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