CBCC urges rethink on ban of religious stickers on vehicles

DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) has expressed concern over the state government’s recent move to ban religious and NGO stickers on vehicles, saying the decision raises questions over religious expression and the identity of social organisations in Nagaland.

In a statement issued on Monday, the council said that while it acknowledges the need for order and regulation, the blanket prohibition on religious symbols and organisational identifiers could affect the sentiments of citizens for whom such stickers represent faith, identity and belonging.

The CBCC stated that religious stickers, for many people, are not merely decorative items but visible expressions of personal belief and community affiliation.

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Urging the government to reconsider the “absolute nature” of the ban, the council suggested that a more balanced and nuanced approach could address regulatory or security concerns without infringing upon religious sentiments and individual freedoms.

The council also highlighted the role played by NGOs in the social fabric of Nagaland, particularly in remote areas where visibility through vehicle stickers often helps facilitate their activities and outreach.

Calling for wider consultations, the CBCC appealed to the government to initiate dialogue with religious bodies and social organisations to arrive at a solution that balances state regulations with the rights and freedoms of citizens.