The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of “weaponising” the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) against Christian institutions, churches, NGOs and civil society organisations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NPCC alleged that selective scrutiny, arbitrary restrictions and administrative harassment were being used in the name of FCRA regulation.

The party said Christian organisations in Nagaland and across the country have for decades contributed to education, healthcare, rehabilitation, orphanage services and humanitarian programmes, particularly for poor and marginalised communities.

“If the BJP Government believes in transparency, let there be transparency for everyone,” the NPCC said, while alleging that selective scrutiny and restrictions cannot be disguised as regulation.

The party also invoked constitutional protections under Articles 14, 19 and 25, which it said safeguard equality, freedom of association and religious freedom.

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The NPCC said Nagaland has a long history of Christian institutions contributing to education, healthcare and social welfare, and claimed that any action against legitimate institutions would ultimately affect the communities dependent on their services.

The Congress party warned the Centre against what it described as the use of the FCRA as an “ideological weapon” and said Christian institutions should not be treated with suspicion merely because of their faith.

“Regulate wrongdoing—but do not criminalise service. Demand accountability—but do not practise discrimination,” the NPCC said.

The statement was issued by the Communication Department of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee.

 

MT