Nagaland protesters rally against FCRA amendments and Vande Mataram rules

Thousands of protesters gathered in Kohima, Nagaland, on September 12 for a rally organized by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF). The demonstration was held to oppose proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and to protest the potential compulsory singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official events.

NJCF president Rev Dr N Paphino stated that the protest was a peaceful assertion of constitutional rights, including freedom of conscience, religious liberty, and secularism. He emphasized that the Christian community in Nagaland is not opposed to patriotism or national unity, but argued that religious beliefs should allow individuals the freedom to choose whether or not to participate in singing the national song without fear of harassment.

Regarding the FCRA, the NJCF expressed concerns that Christian organizations might be selectively targeted and rejected claims linking foreign funds to forced conversions, noting that such funds are used for charitable and social welfare activities. Following the rally, the NJCF submitted a memorandum to the President of India through Lok Bhavan, which also raised concerns regarding the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the Northeast.