Meghalaya opposition parties demand review of FCRA amendments and call for peaceful protest

The United Democratic Party (UDP) in Meghalaya urged the central government to revisit key provisions of the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 and its accompanying rules. UDP General Secretary Titosstarwell Chyne warned that the changes could harm educational, healthcare, humanitarian and charitable institutions, especially those run by minority and religious groups. The party called for a court‑supervised mechanism for asset vesting, exemption for minority institutions, and that disqualification for FCRA registration be based only on final court convictions.

Separately, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) announced a march to the Meghalaya Secretariat, urging participants to remain peaceful. VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit appealed for discipline as police were placed on high alert and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma directed the party to raise its concerns in the Assembly. The protest is intended to highlight perceived government inaction, with organizers coordinating arrivals from across the state and emphasizing that any disturbance would be dealt with strictly.