NBPU urges govt to review ban on vehicle signage

DIMAPUR, JUN 9 (NPN): Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU) has urged the state government to review its recent directive ordering the removal of religious and NGO-related slogans, stickers and signages from vehicles, arguing that the move could affect constitutional rights and the religious sentiments of Nagaland’s predominantly Christian population.
In a press release, NBPU expressed concern that the notification appeared to cover not only religious slogans and stickers but also the names and identifiers of churches, church associations, Christian fellowships, ministries and faith-based organisations displayed on vehicles.
The union said such identifiers serve legitimate purposes, including institutional identification, accountability, fellowship, ministry outreach and community service. Their removal, it maintained, could affect the visibility and recognition of religious institutions that have long contributed to the state’s social and community development. While acknowledging the government’s authority to regulate public safety and transportation, NBPU argued that faith-based messages and church identifiers displayed lawfully and without obstructing visibility do not threaten road safety, public order or communal harmony.
It further contended that many religious messages promote ethical conduct and moral values, and cautioned that a blanket ban on religious signages could infringe upon freedoms guaranteed under Articles 19 and 25 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and religion.
NBPU suggested that greater attention be given to pressing traffic concerns such as road safety awareness, enforcement of traffic regulations, vehicle fitness standards, drunken driving, overloading and rash driving.
The union urged the government to consult church leaders, denominational bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders before implementing the directive, and adopt an approach that balances regulatory concerns with constitutional rights and religious freedoms. NBPU reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity and responsible citizenship.