Nagaland Christian Forum Holds Rally Against Proposed FCRA Changes, Compulsory ‘Vande Mataram’ Singing

New Delhi, sept 21 : Several protesters marched in Kohima under the banner of the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), raising concerns over proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and the reported move to make the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory at official events. The protesters called for protection of religious freedom, constitutional rights and India’s secular character.

 

 

Addressing the rally, NJCF president N Paphino said the demonstration was not against India, the Constitution or the state, but was a peaceful expression of concerns over faith, identity, religious liberty and democratic values.

Paphino said Christian faith and Naga identity did not diminish patriotism. He said India’s strength lies in its diversity and that national unity should not mean uniformity.

 

 

On the issue of compulsory singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, Paphino said people whose religious beliefs prevent them from participating should not be forced to do so. He described the matter as one of freedom of conscience rather than patriotism and urged the government to ensure that people are not harassed for choosing not to participate.

 

After the rally, the NJCF submitted a memorandum addressed to the President of India through Lok Bhavan. The memorandum raised concerns over the proposed FCRA amendments, religious freedom, compulsory singing of ‘Vande Mataram’, and the continued enforcement of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the Northeast.

 

On the proposed FCRA changes, the NJCF said Christian organisations should not be selectively targeted. The forum also rejected allegations linking foreign contributions received by Christian institutions to forced conversions.

 

 

According to the forum, foreign contributions are used by Christian institutions for charitable and social-welfare activities benefiting marginalised sections of society.

 

The NJCF clarified that it was not opposed to strict enforcement of the FCRA. It said organisations found violating the law should face penalties, including cancellation of licences where warranted.

 

The forum urged the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the proposed amendments to independently consult stakeholders, including grassroots beneficiaries, and visit remote areas to assess the possible impact of the proposed changes. The FCRA amendment proposal is currently under examination by the Joint Parliamentary Committee and has not reached a final resolution.