Shillong: Opposition to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill 2026 is heating up in Meghalaya. BJP MLA AL Hek and the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress are leading the charge. Both groups want the federal government to hit the brakes. They are demanding wider consultations with NGOs and religious leaders before the bill reaches Parliament.
Hek wrote to Rajya Sabha MP James PK Sangma on Saturday. He wants assurances that the law will not punish legitimate humanitarian efforts. The letter also went to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Hek urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration to protect Christian institutions and remote service providers. He cited the history of the Missionaries of Charity and the legacy of Purno Agitok Sangma as reasons to tread carefully. "Suggestions from those directly affected should be considered while finalizing the legislation," Hek said.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress joined the protest on Sunday. MPMC President Joplyn Scott Shylla warned that the bill could wreck healthcare and education. She claims it creates fear among minorities. Her message was blunt. "The government should strengthen democratic institutions rather than create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty," Shylla stated.
The bill contains controversial provisions. It allows the Union Government to seize physical assets like schools and hostels if an organization loses its license. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma already took a delegation of religious leaders to meet Amit Shah to discuss these risks. The Centre claims the changes will improve transparency. Local leaders argue the move will kill essential social services.
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