Naga People’s Front denies role in visa denial of Franklin Graham, counters NPCC allegations

DIMAPUR — The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Saturday rejected the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee’s (NPCC) allegation that the party or the state government had a role in the denial of visa to American evangelist Rev. Dr. Franklin Graham.

In a rejoinder, the NPF termed the allegation “baseless and misleading” while accusing the NPCC of attempting to “exploit the sentiments of the Christian community” for political gain.

It asserted that neither the party nor the state government had any involvement in the visa decision, which it stated was taken solely by the government of India.

According to the party, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had made “persistent efforts at the highest levels” to facilitate the visa, including multiple communications to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

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It stated that the chief minister wrote to Shah on July 18, October 29, and November 17, 2025, requesting early approval of the visa.

With Hornbill Festival approaching, a follow-up DO letter was again sent on November 26. However, the party said that no official response had been received from the Ministry of Home Affairs as of November 29.

The NPF also claimed that Rev. Graham and his team had not received any communication on the visa status from the Indian Embassy in Washington, where the application was submitted, as of November 28.

The party maintained that the state government had already prepared to welcome Rev. Graham for the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival, and alleged that the NPCC’s remarks reflected “duplicity” and disregard for facts.

The NPF further highlighted that the state Cabinet had, on January 6, adopted a resolution seeking the withdrawal of the re-imposed Protected Area Permit (PAP). The party’s central executive committee, in its meeting on November 27, resolved to support the Cabinet decision.

Rejecting the NPCC’s remarks as an attempt to politicise the issue, the NPF asserted that it remains committed to transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.

It added that the party was deeply rooted in Naga identity, culture and Christian values, and criticised efforts to “conflate faith and politics.”

Urging the public not to be influenced by “politically motivated rhetoric,” the party reiterated that the visa decision was beyond its control and affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, faith and dignity of the Naga people.