Denial of visa to Rev. Franklin an insult to Nagas: NNC/FGN

Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN) has strongly condemned the Government of India’s decision to deny visa to Rev. Franklin Graham, terming it a direct insult to the honor of the Naga people.
In a press release, MIP stated that Rev. Graham was no ordinary guest but the son of Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, whose name is revered by the Christian community worldwide and permanently etched in the hearts of the Naga people.
It recalled that at a time when the world scarcely knew of the existence and struggles of the Nagas, it was Rev. Dr. Billy Graham who visited the Naga homeland to preach the love of God-unlike many others who came with the intent to exploit the Nagas and occupy their land.
NNC/FGN therefore said the denial of visa once again revealed the ill intention of the Indian state, which has forcefully occupied Naga land since the British left the sub-continent. It said the act exposed India’s pretension of respecting Naga culture and customs, while failing to understand the basic value that Nagas honor their guests even more than themselves.
The group maintained that such acts of suppressing minority rights betrayed the Indian Constitution, which is often claimed to embody the highest human values. It asserted that if freedom of religion cannot be guaranteed, then India’s claim of being the world’s largest democracy is a farce.
According to NNC/FGN, the decision was a blow to the expectations of the Naga people who believed the present government was committed to resolving the protracted Indo-Naga political conflict.
It said the incident reaffirmed the belief of Naga leaders that the people can best protect their identity, customs and religious practices when left alone to determine their own future. The group reiterated its commitment to defend Naga independence and uphold the historic declaration of August 14, 1947.