NSCN-K (Niki) calls vehicle signage ban attack on Christian identity

DIMAPUR — The NSCN-K (Niki) on Sunday alleged that the Nagaland government’s recent notification banning the display of religion- or NGO-based slogans, stickers and signage on vehicles infringes upon the religious and cultural rights protected under Article 371(A).

In a press statement, the group described Indian secularism as “a farcical sham” and accused the Indian state of repeatedly overriding the special provisions guaranteed under Article 371(A) relating to religion, customs, language and resources in Nagaland.

It stated that the latest notification was “not a shocker” and claimed that Indian laws often contradicted themselves in ways that “beguile and trick” citizens.

Also read: Nagaland bans unauthorised religious, NGO signages on vehicles

Referring to the state government’s order on vehicle displays, the group said that churches and church associations in Nagaland have long displayed the names, logos and signage of their respective institutions on vehicles belonging to them, adding that such practices have been accepted traditions linked to identity and community service.

“Church vehicles often serve important social, humanitarian, and community purposes. The display of church names or logos has always been symbolic of identity and service, not religious coercion or propaganda,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that the notification could be misused by Indian security forces and police to harass church leaders and institutions under the pretext of enforcing regulations on unidentified vehicles.

Calling the order an “insidious notification”, the outfit claimed that it was a subtle attempt to suppress the visible identity and presence of Christians and churches in public spaces “under the guise of administrative regulation”.

Reaffirming its stand, the group stated that Nagas have the “God-given right” to openly profess and practise their religion in public.