The Nagaland Baptist Pastors' Union appeals to the state government to review the ban on religious stickers and vehicle signages.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Pastors' Union (NBPU) has expressed concern over a recent notification issued by the Government of Nagaland directing the removal of religious and non-governmental organisation (NGO) slogans, signages, stickers, and identifiers from both private and public vehicles.
In a press statement, the union noted that Christianity has played a foundational role in shaping the moral, social, and cultural identity of the people of Nagaland. For many citizens, the display of Bible verses, Christian symbols, faith-based messages, church names, denominational associations, fellowships, ministry identifiers, and other Christian signage on vehicles is a sincere expression of personal faith, religious conviction, and institutional identity.
The pastors expressed particular concern that the notification appears to extend beyond religious slogans and stickers to include the names and identifiers of churches, church associations, Christian fellowships, ministries, and faith-based organisations displayed on vehicles.
The NBPU stated that such identifiers often serve legitimate purposes of identification, accountability, fellowship, ministry outreach, and community service and that their removal may unnecessarily affect the visibility and recognition of religious institutions that have long contributed to the welfare and development of society in Nagaland.
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While acknowledging and respecting the authority of the government to regulate matters concerning public safety and transportation, the union stated that faith-based signages, church identifiers, and religious messages, when displayed in a lawful and non-obstructive manner, do not pose any threat to public order, road safety, or communal harmony. They added that many such messages promote ethical conduct, responsible living, hope, and moral values among the public.
The NBPU expressed concern that the blanket prohibition of religious signages and identifiers may unintentionally affect the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to every citizen under Articles 19 and 25 of the Constitution of India, which protect freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
The union added that there are several pressing traffic-related issues requiring urgent attention, including road safety awareness, enforcement of traffic regulations, vehicle fitness standards, drunk driving, overloading, rash driving, and other violations that directly affect public safety, which merit greater priority.
Therefore, the union has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to review the notification, engage in meaningful consultation with church leaders, denominational bodies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, and consider an approach that balances regulatory concerns with the constitutional rights and religious sentiments of the people.