NPP rejects allegations of remaining mute on FCRA bill issue

Shillong, Jul 29: Meghalaya’s ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday dismissed allegations that it had remained silent over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, maintaining that it has been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the interests of religious and minority institutions in the Northeast.
“The NPP condemns these unverified claims, which originate from opportunistic political rivals
known only for creating loud noise and confusion to score cheap political points,” NPP national working president, James Sangma said.
Sangma claims that the NPP is the only political party from the region that has made a robust, decisive assertion at the highest levels of the Union Government to safeguard religious and
minority institutions.
Sangma, who is also the member of Rajya Sabha representing Meghalaya, said, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had personally led a high-level, multi-denominational delegation of senior church and community leaders to New Delhi earlier this month to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the proposed amendments to the FCRA. The delegation included prominent representatives from the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong, and the Garo Baptist Convention. During the meeting, the Chief Minister formally placed the state’s deep concerns regarding Section 16A (5) and other restrictive provisions of the FCRA Bill before the Union Home Minister. The delegation urged the Centre to prevent disruptions to vital education, healthcare, and social welfare services.
Sangma claimed that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had explicitly assured the delegation that extensive stakeholder consultations would be held.
Further, the NPP leader also recalled that the Chief Minister Sangma accompanied by State Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), met Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju over the proposed FCRA.
“The NPP does not believe in empty rhetoric or performative shouting. The party believes in
constructive, high-level engagement to deliver real protection,” Sangma said.
Stating that the NPP remains unconditionally committed to the cause of our citizens, Sangma said, “Whenever an issue impacts the interests, rights, or well-being of our people and social institutions, the NPP will always be the first and most effective voice to speak up.”