The Rising People’s Party (RPP) has expressed serious concerns over the recent deportation of Pastor John Roughton, a long-time member of Dimapur’s Spirit of Faith Church and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
In a statement released by the RPP, the party highlighted that Pastor Roughton, originally from the United States, has lived and served in Nagaland for 28 years without any reported issues regarding his activities or stay.
The RPP described the deportation, carried out by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in New Delhi, as “unfair and disheartening.”
The party questioned the absence of a clear justification for the move and underscored Pastor Roughton’s significant contributions to the Christian community in Nagaland, alongside his Naga wife, Zhepitoli Zhimomi. “Pastor Roughton is a deeply entrenched member of our community, and there has never been any indication that he posed a threat to the integrity of India nor was he in violation of any regulations as an OCI,” the RPP stated.
The party further emphasised that this “unexpected and distressing” development has deeply unsettled Christians in the state. It speculated that the deportation might be connected to his pastoral activities.
“The only conclusion is that Pastor Roughton was deported because of his pastoral activities,” the statement read.
The RPP urged the Nagaland government to intervene with central authorities to reconsider the decision. It emphasised that both Pastor Roughton and his wife are respected members of the community.
“The RPP strongly urges the Government of Nagaland to quickly intervene with the relevant authorities, considering Pastor Roughton and his wife, Mrs. Zhepitoli Zhimomi’s standing as good citizens and their invaluable contribution to the Christian community over the decades,” the party stated.
The RPP also framed the deportation as a broader issue with potential implications for India’s secular values. “We believe that this act of deportation by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in New Delhi is not only a grave oversight but also undermines the secular underpinnings of this country.”
The party called on the people of Nagaland to stand in solidarity with Pastor Roughton and his wife.
“Today, the Roughtons are facing the brunt of a majoritarian policy; tomorrow, the same policy may cast a long shadow over the entire state,” the RPP warned in its statement.
The deportation has sparked widespread concern among the local Christian population, many of whom perceive it as an act of religious targeting, particularly of Christian leaders.
As of now, there has been no official response from the FRRO or the Nagaland government regarding the RPP’s appeal.
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