Kitovi-led Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has issued a stern warning to all business establishments in Nagaland that “misuses religion for profit.”
WC/NNPGs through its media cell informed that the committee led by its convenor N Kitovi Zhimomi held a joint meeting on February 14, 2025 and took a strong stance and unanimously decided to impose strict measures against business owners who prominently display religious names, such as Hindu Hotel, Muslim Hotel, Christian Hotel, Buddhist Hotel.
WC said the decision was aimed at addressing and discouraging the commercialization of religious identities in the business sector.
The committee noted that such actions also threatened community values and social unity.
Therefore, the WC has directed the businesses including hotels and other establishments, which incorporate religious names in their branding, to remove those names from their signage and marketing materials within one week.
WC maintained that Nagaland is recognized as an overwhelmingly Christian state, home to the largest Baptist Christian community in the world. However, despite this religious predominance, WC said the Naga people have successfully engaged with the broader world, embracing democratic principles that allow for the practice of various faiths within Nagaland without restrictions.
Acknowledging individuals’ freedom to practice their beliefs, WC has, however, stressed that it was imperative to refrain from exploiting religious identities for personal gain, adding that such actions could lead to disharmony and disunity within the community.
WC/NNPGs also expressed appreciation to those business establishments that engage in charitable activities or donation efforts that align with their faith practices to support the less fortunate and those in need.
It said that such endeavours contributed meaningfully to the welfare of the community and were highly valued. However, the committee said that any actions that contradicted those principles could lead to serious repercussions.
“This statement serves as a reminder of the shared values of integrity, social responsibility and peaceful existence that we hope to uphold within the business community,” WC stated.