KOHIMA, AUGUST 11 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has endorsed the position taken by Chief Minister and NPF President Dr Neiphiu Rio in his letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah concerning the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
It further extended support for representations made by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and the Bishop of Kohima to the Union Home Minister on the issue.
In a statement, the NPF said the proposed changes could place additional pressure on churches, Christian charitable organisations and the educational, health and welfare programmes they run across Nagaland.
The party called for the FCRA Amendment Bill to be referred to a Parliamentary Committee for wider consultation with stakeholders and faith-based organisations.
Such consultation would help address concerns while ensuring transparency and accountability, and reflect the NDA government's commitment to inclusive governance and India's secular values, it added.
The NPF also highlighted the role of churches and Christian organisations in Nagaland, stating that they have worked alongside the government for more than 150 years in providing education, healthcare and relief during calamities, including the COVID-19 pandemic. It said some of these services have been supported through foreign partnerships.
The NPF also said Christian institutions across India have contributed to nation-building through schools, colleges, hospitals and charitable organisations serving communities without distinction.
In Nagaland, it said, such institutions have contributed to literacy, women's empowerment, skill development, rural development and peace-building, particularly in remote and border areas.
The party said existing FCRA requirements had already created financial and administrative challenges for organisations and expressed concern that the proposed amendments could place further burdens on small grassroots organisations.
It also referred to instances of FCRA renewal applications being rejected on grounds of alleged misuse, and said such cases should be examined objectively and on merit to ensure that genuine welfare activities are not affected.
The NPF appealed to the Union Government to consider Nagaland’s “unique history, social structure and developmental needs” while finalising the FCRA rules
