Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has renewed its opposition to the Centre’s proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), urging the Mizoram government to convene a special session of the Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution opposing the Bill.
Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, the party recalled that it had observed July 21 as a “Black Day” and “Protest Day” to oppose the proposed amendment, which it alleged was aimed at targeting Christians. The MPCC said the protest had raised awareness among the people and churches in Mizoram and welcomed reports that Chief Minister Lalduhoma had also held discussions with church leaders on the issue.
The Congress said it continues to press the state government to take three key steps.
First, it urged the government to convene a special session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly and adopt a resolution formally opposing the proposed FCRA amendment.
Second, it called on the chief minister to lead a delegation comprising representatives of churches, political parties and non-governmental organisations to New Delhi to meet the central government and convey Mizoram’s opposition to the Bill.
Third, the party appealed to Mizoram’s two Members of Parliament to strongly voice the state’s opposition during discussions on the Bill in Parliament and vote against it if it is put to a vote.
The MPCC said it was not enough for church leaders alone to raise the issue and urged the state government to take a leading role in pursuing these demands.
The party alleged that churches across the country have faced increasing difficulties under the existing FCRA regime and claimed that the proposed amendment was based on allegations that foreign contributions received by Christian organisations were being used for religious conversions.
The statement also criticised comments previously made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath linking Christian missionaries to unrest in the Northeast.
The Congress further alleged that the BJP-led central government was gradually expanding its influence in Mizoram through various policies and legislative measures, which it claimed affected the state’s religious and cultural identity.
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The party also expressed concern over another Bill expected to be taken up during the ongoing Parliament session relating to the singing of Vande Mataram, claiming it would require the national song to be sung before the National Anthem at official functions and could include penalties for non-compliance. The MPCC argued that such measures could create difficulties for members of minority faiths because of the song’s historical references to Hindu deities.
Calling for unity, the Congress urged the people of Mizoram to defend constitutional values, including freedom of religion, equality and democratic rights, through peaceful and lawful means.
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