DIMAPUR — The unexplained denial of entry into
India for John Roughton, a pastor and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
cardholder, has sparked outrage and concern.
Roughton, who has lived in Nagaland for 30 years, was
reportedly turned away at Delhi’s immigration office on October 31, leaving his
family and church community demanding answers.
On Tuesday, Zhepitoli Zhimomi, Roughton’s wife, addressed a
press conference at the Spirit of Faith Church in Dimapur, stating that her
husband was denied entry without explanation. Despite repeated inquiries, the
only response received from the Ministry of Home Affairs was a lack of reason
for the denial.
“This is my appeal and this is our appeal. We demand an
answer. I want my husband back home. My daughter and I were waiting for him to
come back home. This is our home,” she said.
Stating that Roughton came to India from America with
selfless intentions to help the community and society, Zhimomi maintained that
his teachings emphasised living in peace, loving one another, avoiding adultery
and murder, and leading an honest life. She questioned the government’s
actions, asking whether such teachings could be considered a crime.
Further, asserting that Roughton has done nothing wrong
during his 30 years in India and has committed no crime, she appealed to the
government of Nagaland to investigate the matter and ensure her husband’s
return.
Dr. Maongwati Aier, a former Principal Secretary to the
Government of Nagaland, highlighted Roughton’s positive contributions to the
community’s development and peace and appealed to the state government and the
Ministry of Home Affairs to review the matter on humanitarian grounds.
Aier stated that, to the best of his knowledge, Roughton has
never threatened the national security of the country, violated immigration
laws, or breached citizenship laws.
He noted that Roughton is married to an indigenous citizen
of India, Zhepitoli Zhimomi, who serves as a pastor at the Spirit of Faith
Church, and they have three children. Aier called on the community and the
church as a whole to support their request for Roughton to be allowed entry
into the country so that he can reunite with his family, the community, and live
a harmonious life.
Aier further stated that denying Roughton entry into the
country without any valid reason appears ‘very abnormal’ because the OCI rules
stipulate that a written explanation must be provided if entry is denied.
However, no such information has been given by the immigration authorities in
this case.
Chuba Jamir, from the advisory board of Spirit of Faith
Church, added that Roughton had entered and exited India without issue for the
past 30 years. The church, he asserted, maintains a non-political stance and
has never opposed any religious group, political party, or individual.
It was informed that a letter has been sent to the chief
secretary of Nagaland, who forwarded the same to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Nagaland Home Department has responded that the valid reasons were still
not available with the state government.
When asked whether the denial of Roughton’s entry was
related to his Christian faith, Aier clarified that they were not opposed to
the government or any political parties, emphasising that the organisation is
apolitical. We simply want to know the facts, have the matter reviewed, and
ensure he is allowed entry, he said.
He went on to say that if the government of India does not
respond to the appeal made by church members, the OCI rules, as outlined in the
Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, provide for further recourse.
“If the Ministry of Home Affairs does not act in accordance
with the law, we will appeal to the judicial authority so that the courts can
ensure that all rights are restored,” he stated.
At the church premises, members expressed their support by
holding placards with messages such as: “Walk the talk—it’s time to prove that
India is a secular country,” “In the spirit of democracy, let Pastor John
Roughton reunite with his family and the church,” and “The church believes in
the ideals of democracy and religious freedom,” among others.
