Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 12 (NPN): More than 5,000 people attended a peaceful rally organised by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on Saturday, calling for protection of religious freedom, secular democracy and constitutional rights and opposing proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
Addressing the gathering, NJCF president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino said the rally was “not against India, the Constitution, or anyone,” but a peaceful and constitutional effort to uphold democracy, freedom of conscience, religious liberty and human dignity.
“We speak as Indians and as Christians,” he said, asserting that Christian faith did not make Nagas less Indian and that Naga heritage did not diminish their patriotism.
Paphino said India’s strength lay in its diversity, where people of different religions, languages, cultures and traditions could live together with dignity and mutual respect. He stressed that unity did not mean uniformity, national integration should not require the loss of identity, and patriotism should not demand the surrender of one’s conscience.
On Vande Mataram, Paphino said participation should remain voluntary and those whose religious beliefs prevented them from singing should not be compelled to do so. He welcomed the state government’s stated position that no one would be forced to sing the song, describing it as consistent with constitutional and democratic values.
He also expressed concern over the continued enforcement of the Protected Area Permit regime and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the Northeast.
Highlighting the contribution of churches and Christian institutions to education, health care, social welfare, peacebuilding, youth development and community welfare, Paphino called for greater dialogue and urged India to move toward “less suspicion and more trust.”
“We are not against India. We stand for an India where everyone is treated with dignity,” he said, reaffirming the gathering’s commitment to peace, constitutional values and religious freedom. NBCC Christian Education secretary Bideno Kikon said the right to profess, practise and propagate religion must be protected.
“A nation is truly free when its citizens are free,” she said, adding that democracy should not become the rule of the majority over minorities.
Kikon said the state had the right to regulate “but not suffocate,” and that citizens could love India deeply while remaining faithful to their Christian convictions.
Gauhati High Court advocate Toshi O. Lonkumer criticised the proposed FCRA amendment bill, saying it would alter the character of the existing law. While the government had maintained that the changes would operate prospectively, he argued that some provisions could have retrospective implications for organisations receiving foreign contributions.
Lonkumer described the proposal as “a new law in the disguise of an amendment bill” and alleged that it could disproportionately affect minority institutions, including hospitals, orphanages and other service organisations. He said the issue involved not only transparency but also the extent of government control.
Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil said Christians were not opposed to regulation but were seeking a “just law.” He described the FCRA as having become “a tool of fear, not regulation” and urged the government to trust citizens and institutions contributing to nation-building.
Former NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung said the proposed changes could adversely affect development and warned of serious long-term consequences. He appealed to lawmakers to examine, modify or withdraw provisions that were not people-friendly.
Speaking to the media after the programme, organising committee convenor Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao said laws should serve the welfare of all citizens irrespective of religion or faith. He alleged that Christians in India faced direct and indirect forms of discrimination and said the NJCF would continue to raise its concerns through peaceful and democratic means.
On Vande Mataram, Phesao said Christians had no objection to the initial stanzas but expressed reservations about later verses that, according to him, conflicted with Christian beliefs concerning worship and idols. He maintained that participation should remain a matter of individual conscience.
A nine-point memorandum was submitted to the President of India through the Governor of Nagaland. In the Governor’s absence, the memorandum was received by the commissioner and secretary and read out by Phesao. NJCF expressed hope that the memorandum would receive a positive response from the Government of India.
The programme was chaired by organising committee co-convenor Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü. Scripture reading was led by Baptist Revival Church Council president Thinuohelie Sachü, the invocation was offered by Nagaland Pentecostal Mission pastor Sunep Jamir, a song was presented by Sumi Baptist Church Kohima, and the benediction was delivered by FNBA general secretary Rev. Dr. H. Gideon.