GNF condemns alleged Assam Rifles operation at Samziuram Baptist Church, raising concerns over religious sanctity and fundamental rights.
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DIMAPUR — As outrage grows over the alleged late-night security operation at Samziuram Baptist Church in Peren district, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has joined a chorus of church bodies and civil organisations condemning the incident and raising concerns over the sanctity of religious spaces in Naga areas.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the GNF criticised the reported March 9 raid, stating that the operation was carried out late at night and also involved intrusion into the residence of the church pastor.
The forum asserted that conducting such an operation in the “dead of night” at a sacred place had seriously undermined the dignity of the church and the community.
The organisation also expressed concern over the emergence of a “No Objection/Claim/Harassment Certificate” reportedly signed by the church pastor and the village council chairman stating that no harassment had taken place.
Related: Nagaland: Church bodies, students condemn Assam Rifles operations; seek inquiry, AFSPA review
According to the GNF, the existence of such a document raises questions about the circumstances under which it was issued, maintaining that “No Objection” certificates are sometimes obtained during search operations under difficult conditions.
It stated that the presence of such a certificate itself suggests that a search operation may have been carried out within the church premises.
The group maintained that the incident had caused fear and distress among the pastor, church leaders and their families, while further eroding public trust between the Naga people and security forces operating in the region.
Citing the protection of life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the forum said that the episode raises concerns over fundamental rights as well as freedom of religion.
Referring to the image projected by the Assam Rifles as the “Friends of the Hill People,” the GNF stated that incidents such as the alleged intrusion contradict that claim, adding that sacred spaces across cultures command universal respect.
The forum asserted that the events at Samziuram could not be dismissed as a mere operational lapse or the result of misinformation and reiterated that the sanctity of religious institutions and the dignity of the people were non-negotiable.
“The forum will place this case, along with other documented incidents affecting the rights of the Naga people, before the appropriate constitutional and international human rights mechanisms for scrutiny and accountability,” it added.