Nagaland: NBCC, NPP condemn attacks on Christians

Set against the backdrop of rising anti-Christian acts across the nation, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state unit have expressed deep concern and affirmed solidarity with the oppressed and victims of religious persecution.
In a press release, NBCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener and Secretary for Social Concern Dr. Villo Naleo said it was distressing that religious extremists were allegedly targeting Christians and disrupting church services, particularly during the Christmas season, in a country constitutionally committed to secularism. Stating that India, as the world’s largest democracy, carries greater responsibility to protect all faiths, the Council warned that divisive forces such as Hindutva ideology, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and anti-conversion laws were undermining communal harmony. It also expressed concern over the silence of authorities in the face of hate speech and violence within their jurisdictions.
The NBCC said it was unacceptable for Christians, who have contributed significantly to the nation through educational and social institutions, to be treated as marginalised minorities. Emphasising democratic values, the Council stressed the need to uphold equality before the law, freedom of expression, and freedom from religious discrimination. It concluded by condemning all forms of persecution and urged believers to pray for peace in the nation.
Meanwhile, National People’s Party(NPP) Nagaland unit has strongly condemned reported disruptions of Christmas celebrations in various parts of the country, including the Northeast, stating that such incidents have caused anxiety among minority communities and raised serious concerns about public safety, administrative response, and constitutional protections.
In a statement issued through its Media and IPR Cell, the party said it was “deeply distressing” to receive reports of fringe elements intimidating communities, vandalising Christmas decorations, and disrupting activities near places of worship during the festive season. The NPP asserted that such actions threaten communal harmony and tarnish India’s image as a nation founded on constitutional values, democratic principles, and a rich civilisational ethos.
The party, however, welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in a Christmas church programme on December 25, describing it as a symbolic reaffirmation of India’s pluralistic and inclusive character. It stressed that, as the world’s largest democracy, India has a responsibility to uphold secularism, equality, and the fundamental right of every citizen to practise their faith without fear.
While expressing respect for democratic institutions and law-enforcement agencies, the NPP called for a thorough examination of possible administrative lapses or delayed responses that may have allowed such incidents to escalate. The party emphasised that the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” must be reflected through timely, impartial, and effective action on the ground. The NPP Nagaland unit urged both Union and state authorities to act decisively to prevent further escalation, ensure accountability, and reaffirm India’s commitment to constitutional values, inclusivity, and the rule of law.