The Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), led by Convenor N. Kitovi Zhimomi, has issued a stern warning to business establishments in Nagaland that misuse religion for profit. In a joint meeting held on February 14, the committee took a unanimous decision to impose strict measures against businesses that prominently display religious names such as “Hindu Hotel,” “Muslim Hotel,” “Christian Hotel,” “Buddhist Hotel,” or any other religiously branded business.
According to the WC/NNPGs, this decision is aimed at “addressing and discouraging the commercialization of religious identities in the business sector,” as such actions “threaten community values and social unity.”
The committee has directed all businesses, including hotels and other establishments that incorporate religious names in their branding, to remove such names from their signage and marketing materials.
“This action should be taken within one week to ensure compliance with regulations regarding the use of religious nomenclature in commercial settings,” the statement read.
Emphasizing the importance of religious harmony, the WC/NNPGs stated that while “Nagaland is recognized as an overwhelmingly Christian state, home to the largest Baptist Christian community in the world,” the Naga people have always “successfully engaged with the broader world, embracing democratic principles that allow for the practice of various faiths within Nagaland without restrictions.”
However, the committee stressed that “while individuals enjoy the freedom to practice their beliefs, it is imperative to refrain from exploiting religious identities for personal gain, as such actions can lead to disharmony and disunity within the community.”
At the same time, the WC/NNPGs acknowledged the positive contributions of businesses that engage in charitable activities or donation efforts in line with their faith. “Such endeavors contribute meaningfully to the welfare of the community and are highly valued,” the statement noted.
The committee further cautioned that any actions contradicting these principles “may lead to serious repercussions,” reiterating that this directive serves as a reminder of the shared values of “integrity, social responsibility, and peaceful existence that we hope to uphold within the business community.”