VHP rebuts NBCC, says remarks ‘misplaced’

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday criticised the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) over its statement alleging an Assam Rifles raid on a church in Nagaland, saying the remarks against RSS and VHP were “misplaced” and could create social divisions.
The response comes after NBCC condemned a late-night operation at Samziuram Baptist Church in Peren district on March 9, terming it a violation of religious sanctity and, accusing RSS and VHP of promoting and justifying violence.
VHP international president Alok Kumar said NBCC’s reference to RSS and VHP was “completely out of context” as they had no role in the incident. He described the remarks as an attempt to “create enmity between different sections of society”.
Kumar also cited local inputs, claiming that village authorities and pastor had indicated there was no harassment/damage during the operation. He said RSS and VHP are “law-abiding and patriotic organisations” engaged in social service, among marginalised communities. Calling the statement “mischievous and dishonest”, VHP urged restraint and cautioned against turning a security-related incident into a religious or ideological controversy.