Nagaland: NPP raises concern over denial of Franklin Graham’s visit

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland unit of National People’s Party (NPP) has expressed “deep concern” over the denial of permission for American evangelist Rev. Franklin Graham’s visit to the state, calling it a setback for thousands of Christians who had prepared for the spiritual event scheduled on November 30 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party said that churches, Christian organisations and volunteers had made extensive arrangements for the gathering, which was expected to draw large crowds.

However, the NPP stated, the cancellation had caused “deep pain and disappointment” among the Christian community, adding that large-scale Christian gatherings in Nagaland had historically played an important role in promoting unity, moral guidance and community service.

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While stating that it respected the authority of the government of India and due legal processes, the party questioned the handling of the matter, alleging that it raised “disturbing concerns” about the treatment of the Christian minority in the country.

Repeated restrictions on religious engagements, it maintained, sent an “unfortunate signal” to faith communities.

The party asserted that freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional right and any decision perceived as selectively restricting Christian religious expression warranted review.

It cautioned that confidence in democratic institutions could be undermined if minority communities felt they were receiving unequal treatment.

The party demanded that authorities concerned “ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in all matters concerning religious gatherings and visits by faith leaders.”