Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organization (NTPRADAO) has written to Nagaland governor, La Ganesan, urging immediate intervention in the deportation case of pastor John Roughton, senior pastor of Spirit of Faith Church, Dimapur.
In its letter jointly signed by NTPRADAO president Phemching Konyak, general secretary Chenithung Lotha, secretary W. Ashen Phom and women coordinator Kitoli Sema, they highlighted that pastor Roughton, a law-abiding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), was detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, without stated reasons and subsequently deported to the United States on October 31, 2024 while the pastor’s wife, Zhepitoli Zhimomi, was left behind in Delhi.
The organization condemned the deportation, calling it an “unethical act” and alleging that it stemmed from his religious activities by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Delhi and concern authorities. NTPRADAO said that it was an “unprecedented folly” that belittles the secular fabric and essence of India.
The organization urged the state government to escalate the matter to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and External Affairs Minister to facilitate pastor Roughton’s return.
NTPRADAO also underscored pastor Roughton’s nearly three decades of dedicated service in Nagaland, emphasizing his contributions to ecclesiastical outreach and community development. The letter described the pastor and his family as peace-loving and disciplined citizens of India.
The organization further emphasized the broader geopolitical implications, highlighting India’s strategic ties with the United States, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s evangelical Christian support base.
Therefore, it said that for India to maintain a balance and harmonious geopolitical relations with America and furthering of international relations with the western democracies; it must be cautious not only to antagonize the friendly existing powers in the world politics.
NTPRADAO has called for solidarity from the people of Nagaland and Christians across India, urging them to pray for a swift resolution to the matter.