Shillong: The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) participated in a National Consultation on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi. The consultation was convened by the Joint Action Forum on Minorities (JAFM) and chaired by Shri P. Wilson, Member of Parliament.
The gathering brought together Members of Parliament, religious leaders, legal experts, representatives of charitable and educational institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, and minority community leaders from across the country. The deliberations focused on the constitutional, legal, and humanitarian implications of the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
Representing the churches of North East India at the consultation were Rev. Dr. Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI), and Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri, General Secretary of the North East India Christian Council.
The consultation reviewed the proposed amendments, examined their constitutional implications, and discussed parliamentary engagement ahead of the forthcoming Session of Parliament. Participants also evaluated the progress of nationwide advocacy initiatives and explored ways to strengthen legal, organisational, media, and public coordination in addressing concerns arising from the proposed legislation.
The event saw participation from MPs across multiple political parties, reflecting the broad national importance of the issues under discussion. Those present included Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Shri A. Raja (DMK), Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), Shri Sanjay Singh (AAP), Shri John Brittas (CPI(M)), and Shri Saleng A. Sangma. Several MPs expressed their willingness to engage with the constitutional concerns surrounding the proposed amendments and assured their support for continued democratic and parliamentary processes.
The participation of Shri Saleng A. Sangma was noted as particularly significant in ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of the North East region were represented during the national-level discussions.
Speaking on behalf of the churches of North East India, Rev. Dr. Meyu Changkiri thanked Shri P. Wilson and the Joint Action Forum on Minorities for convening the consultation. He affirmed that the churches of North East India stand in solidarity with all who are committed to upholding the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Rev. Dr. Changkiri reiterated the churches' commitment to working with governments, public representatives, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders through peaceful, lawful, constitutional, and democratic means in building a just, inclusive, and stronger India.
In its statement, the NEICC acknowledged the Government's legitimate responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the regulation of foreign contributions. At the same time, it emphasised that these objectives must be pursued in a manner that fully safeguards the constitutional rights and freedoms of religious, educational, charitable, and humanitarian institutions that have contributed to the nation's social development and public welfare over many decades.
The North East India Christian Council appreciated the broad-based participation and constructive spirit that characterised the consultation. It reaffirmed its commitment to continue engaging respectfully with Parliament, the Government, civil society, and all democratic institutions in promoting constitutional values, protecting religious freedom, strengthening charitable service, and advancing the common good of the people.
Issued by: Office of the General Secretary, North East India Christian Council (NEICC)
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