The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed strong disappointment over the Government of India’s decision to deny a visa to evangelist Franklin Graham, which resulted in the cancellation of his scheduled visit to Kohima.
In a statement issued from its Oking on December 1, the NSF said the decision “amounts to discrimination against the Christian community and an assault on the constitutional freedom of faith.” The Federation stated that the Naga people had been preparing with great anticipation for the visit, which it described as a moment of spiritual importance. According to the NSF, the abrupt cancellation has caused widespread resentment and sadness.
The Federation also questioned the role of the State Government, saying it continues in alliance with the BJP-led Central Government “whose policies, in the perception of many, have increasingly marginalized and suppressed the Christian community across the country.” It criticized the State Government for failing to “intervene, question or condemn the Centre’s decision.”
The NSF further pointed to what it described as a contradictory approach by the Central Government. It noted that while the Government of India relaxed Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, it denied a visa to Franklin Graham. The Federation said this reflected “a selective and discriminatory policy mindset” that appears to welcome tourism-related visitors while restricting Christian spiritual engagements.
The NSF called upon the Government of India to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, act without bias and provide clarity on the reasons behind the visa denial.