Kohima, May 10: The NSCN/GPRN has criticised the Nagaland Government’s recent notification banning the display of religion- or NGO-based slogans, signage, stickers and other unauthorised identifiers on private and public vehicles.
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In a press statement issued on May 10, the group alleged that the notification was an attempt to suppress the visible identity and presence of Christians and churches in public spaces under the guise of administrative regulation.
The statement claimed that India’s secularism was contradictory in practice and accused authorities of repeatedly overriding what it described as the “Special Provisions” of Nagaland under Article 371(A) relating to religion, customs, resources and language.
According to the NSCN/GPRN, churches and church associations have traditionally displayed names, logos or signs on their vehicles to indicate ownership and identity, particularly for social, humanitarian and community-related activities.
The organisation argued that such displays symbolised identity and service rather than religious coercion or propaganda.
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The statement further alleged that the notification could be misused by security forces and police personnel to harass church leaders, pastors and religious institutions under the pretext of enforcing regulations.
Reaffirming its stand, the NSCN/GPRN stated that Nagas have the right to practise and profess their religion openly in public and asserted that the group would continue to defend what it described as “Nagaland for Christ.” The press statement was issued by MIP, NSCN/GPRN.
