Mizoram Congress seeks Assembly resolution against proposed FCRA changes
The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee urged the state Assembly to pass a resolution opposing proposed amendments to the FCRA, and asked for a delegation to the
The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has urged the Mizoram Assembly to pass a resolution against proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). In a statement made to media, the party said it views the changes as part of a move that could affect religious freedoms in the state.
Congress pushes state and central-level action
The MPCC said it had previously held protests, calling July 21 a “Black Day” and “Protest Day” to oppose the amendment. The party also said it welcomed reports that Chief Minister Lalduhoma met church leaders and discussed the issue, but it insisted that the state government should do more than engage religious leaders alone.
According to the MPCC, it wants three steps taken. First, it asked the chief minister to lead a delegation that includes representatives of churches, political parties, and non-governmental organisations to New Delhi. The delegation would seek to convey Mizoram’s opposition to the FCRA amendment to the central government.
Second, the Congress appealed to Mizoram’s two Members of Parliament to speak strongly against the Bill in Parliament and to vote against it if the proposal is put to a vote. Third, the MPCC said the state government should take a more leading role in pressing these demands, rather than leaving the issue only to churches.
Concerns about religious impact and related provisions
The MPCC alleged that difficulties have increased for churches under the existing FCRA regime and said the amendment is based on claims that foreign funds received by Christian organisations are being used for religious conversion. The party also criticised earlier remarks by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that it said linked Christian missionaries to unrest in the Northeast.
The MPCC further expressed concern about another Bill expected to be taken up during the ongoing Parliament session related to the singing of Vande Mataram. The party said it believes the national song could be required before the National Anthem at official events and that penalties for non-compliance could complicate participation for members of minority faiths.
The MPCC called for unity and said people in Mizoram should defend freedom of religion, equality, and democratic rights through peaceful and lawful means.
