Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has expressed dismay over the cancellation of the scheduled visit to Nagaland by Rev. Franklin Graham due to “unforeseen visa related circumstances.”
In a joint statement, NJCF president Rev Dr Neikedozo Paphino and secretary Rev. Moses Murry, noted the development and wondered what could be the reason for the visa denial.
They however, reiterated that the programme in partnership with the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) would go ahead as planned.
NJCF has appealed to all sections of all people across different tribes, race and denominations, to gather at the IG stadium on November 30 evening, for a time of worship and celebration.
NJCF also called upon everyone to respond to the invitation in the spirit of oneness and unity.
NJCF clarified that its sole purpose is to worship and celebrate faith, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The Forum urged citizens to unite in prayer for the nation’s well-being, describing the moment as a wake-up call to celebrate faith humbly, share God’s goodness, and come together in unity, leaving the rest to Him..
Visa denial to Rev. Franklin Graham troubling, says NPP: The National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland has voiced concern and disappointment after the Government of India denied a visa to Rev. Franklin Graham, cancelling his November 30 spiritual gathering at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima. Churches and Christian organisations had prepared extensively, with thousands of believers prayerfully anticipating the event.
NPP reiterated that Christianity in the State is not a ceremonial identity but the moral, spiritual, and social backbone of its people. It noted that large Christian gatherings have historically fostered unity, ethical guidance, service, and peace.
It said the cancellation of Rev. Franklin Graham’s event has therefore struck at the core of religious life, causing widespread disappointment.
While respecting India’s sovereign authority and legal processes, NPP said the handling of the matter raises troubling questions about treatment of the Christian minority. Repeated restrictions, it warned, risk sidelining minority sentiments instead of protecting them constitutionally.
Further, NPP asserted that freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional right, not a discretionary concession. It warned that decisions suppressing or selectively restricting Christian expression require urgent review, as unequal treatment erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.
Reaffirming its role as a responsible political party, NPP declared unconditional support for the Christian community in Nagaland and across India. It demanded fairness, transparency, and consistency in matters concerning religious gatherings and visits by faith leaders. The party stressed that constitutional guarantees must be upheld without bias, pledging to defend justice, freedom of worship, and equal treatment for all faiths.
CPO objects to denial of visa to Rev. Franklin Graham: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has expressed grave disappointment and strong objection to the denial of visa to Rev. Franklin Graham, who was scheduled to minister at a Christian gathering in Nagaland.
CPO president Veuzhu Keyho and general secretary Chepetso Koza said the decision by Government of India had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Naga people, who had been prayerfully preparing for months to receive him.
CPO stated that Nagaland, known for its vibrant Christian faith, had viewed the visit as a moment of renewal and revival. It said the abrupt refusal of visa reflected a pattern of step-motherly treatment the people had endured for generations, adding that decisions had often been imposed on the Nagas without consultation or regard for their history, identity and aspirations.
The organisation recalled the words of the 1929 Memorandum of the Naga Club to the Simon Commission- “Leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times”- and said the sentiment of the Naga people remained unchanged. It reminded the Centre that meaningful coexistence must be built on respect and that actions undermining the faith and identity of the people deepened alienation.
CPO reiterated its advocacy for the right of Nagas to self-determine their future, stating that they were a unique people with their own history and inherent political rights. It asserted that any action undermining this dignity struck at the core of their identity and long-standing aspirations.
While accepting the development with “prayerful hearts,” CPO said it would not remain silent when the dignity of the people was undermined. It termed the denial not merely a procedural action but a direct affront to the Christian community of Nagaland and to the dignity of the people, adding that it widened the trust deficit and reopened historical wounds.
CPO urged the Government of India to act with fairness, transparency and sensitivity, and refrain from decisions that wound the sentiments of people with a distinct historical identity.