The Nagaland Transparency Public Rights Advocacy and Direct Action Organization (NTPRADAO) and the National People’s Party (NPP) have expressed deep disappointment over the denial of a visa for globally renowned Christian evangelist Rev Franklin Graham, whose visit to Nagaland was scheduled for 30 November 2025.
In a statement, NTPRADAO said the decision “has created unnecessary misunderstanding and affected the sentiments of Christians in general and the Naga community in particular.” The organization highlighted India’s tradition of hospitality, noting that “the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is God) is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, reflecting the nation’s tradition of treating guests with immense respect and friendliness.”
Acknowledging that “the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, may have its reasons for denying the visa,” NTPRADAO urged that “the Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, will look into this matter and resolve it in accordance with Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freely practice religion.” The organization added that “foreign tourists are generally permitted to attend religious ceremonies, and we see no reason why Rev. Franklin Graham should be an exception.”
NTPRADAO further appealed to the government to “reconsider its decision and facilitate the visit of Rev Franklin Graham, allowing him to share his spiritual message with the people of India,” arguing that this “would not only promote interfaith harmony but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between nations.”
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In a separate communication, NPP National Working President James PK Sangma addressed the Minister of External Affairs, urging a review of the visa denial. The letter noted that the visit, organized by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship, was intended for a public gathering at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, and had been cancelled due to “visa restrictions/unforeseen visa-related circumstances beyond their control, leading to deep disappointment among thousands of faithful who had prepared for weeks.”
Sangma emphasized Nagaland’s historic connection with the Graham family, recalling the visit of Rev Billy Graham to Kohima in 1972, which “remains an important marker in the State’s religious and social history.” He described the proposed visit of Rev Franklin Graham as “a moment of spiritual renewal and unity for the Naga people and for Christians across the North East who had planned to participate in the programme.”
The NPP letter highlighted that in a region where Christians form a substantial majority, “religious events of this nature contribute to peace, reconciliation and social harmony,” and warned that denying permission “risks creating misunderstanding and alienation.” Sangma requested that the Ministry “review the decision in respect of Rev. Franklin Graham and consider granting him permission to visit Nagaland, subject to all applicable laws and conditions,” noting that such a gesture “would send a powerful message of India’s commitment to religious freedom and inclusiveness, and would greatly reassure the Christian communities of Nagaland and the wider North East.”
