The Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Banjum (KBBB) has expressed concern over the Nagaland government’s decision to prohibit religion-based and NGO-related slogans and stickers on vehicles, while appealing for reconsideration of what it described as “peaceful expressions” of faith.
The state government recently issued a notification banning the display of religion-based, NGO-related and other unauthorized slogans, signages, stickers and identifiers on all private and public vehicles across Nagaland. Vehicle owners have been directed to remove such displays within 45 days, failing which legal action will be initiated under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The order comes under Sections 96(2)(vi) and 111(2)(e) of the Motor Vehicles Act and follows an advisory from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways dated January 12, 2026. The government stated that the directive aims to ensure compliance with permissible vehicle standards and warned of strict enforcement after the deadline.
In its response, the KBBB said the Naga Christian community respects state authority and supports road safety measures. Citing biblical teaching, it stated that Christians are guided by Romans 13:1 and therefore uphold obedience to governing authorities.
“The churches fully support the government’s efforts to maintain road safety and public order.
If any sticker obstructs visibility or creates division, regulation is understandable,” the KBBB said.
However, it maintained that not all religious expressions should be treated as problematic. “Peaceful expressions such as ‘Jesus Saves’, ‘God bless’, or the name of an association used only to glorify God should not be viewed as being against road safety measures,” it stated.
The KBBB also noted that such expressions are used peacefully by Christians in Nagaland without imposing on others, adding that the situation differs from other parts of the country where religious slogans are “openly displayed and promoted.”
While reiterating respect for government authority, the KBBB appealed for reconsideration of the restriction on what it termed harmless religious slogans on vehicles.