The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Sunday condemned an alleged attack on a Christian pastor in Odisha, calling it a grave violation of human dignity and constitutional rights, while extending Republic Day greetings and reaffirming its commitment to India’s democratic values.
In a statement issued on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, the NPF said it was “deeply disturbed” by reports of the incident, which it described as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority Christian communities in the country.
The party alleged that the pastor was subjected to humiliation and forced to eat cow dung and chant religious slogans, terming the act an assault on individual dignity and an affront to the principles of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.
“The NPF strongly condemns such acts, which not only harm individuals but also tarnish India’s diverse cultural and social fabric,” the statement said.
While reiterating its faith in India’s democratic framework, the NPF said the Republic Day observance was a moment to recommit to the values of equality, justice and religious freedom. The party said India’s strength lay in its cultural diversity and constitutional guarantees, which must be upheld in both spirit and practice.
The NPF urged the concerned authorities to take “immediate and bold steps” to ensure justice in the matter and to strengthen protections for minority communities, stating that failure to act decisively would undermine the country’s secular character.
The party also extended Republic Day greetings to the Naga people and citizens across the country, reaffirming its commitment to democratic ideals while continuing to advocate for the rights and aspirations of the Naga people within the constitutional framework.
