KOHIMA, AUGUST 11 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has opposed the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, calling for its withdrawal in its present form and urging Parliament to refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for comprehensive examination and consultation with stakeholders.
In a statement, the GNF expressed concern over what it described Bill's “selective targeting” of Christian institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, and minority communities.
The move is a severe threat to the social and charitable work of NGOs in general, and those of religious-based minority organsations in particular, it conveyed in a statement.
The Forum described as “most dangerous” the proposed provision empowering a designated authority to take control of physical and digital assets created through foreign contributions when an organisation's registration is cancelled, surrendered, allowed to expire or is not renewed.
Such a measure is nothing less than expropriation without the safeguards of due process and violates the principles of natural justice and places the property rights of citizens at the mercy of administrative discretion, it contended.
It also raised concerns over the discretion proposed to be given to authorities in determining permissible activities, imposing geographical restrictions and requiring purpose-specific registrations.
According to the Forum, organisations operating across multiple States could face additional administrative and financial burdens if separate registrations are required.
The GNF further objected to proposed disclosure requirements concerning social media accounts and publications, as well as provisions relating to activities considered political.
“The inclusion of the undefined term proselytisation opens the door to selective interpretation and harassment of the Christian community “it added, terming the vagueness is “not accidental” but a “tool of control” with sinister intent.
While acknowledging the State's responsibility to prevent misuse of foreign contributions, the Forum said the existing FCRA framework already provides for investigation, audit and prosecution. It argued that the proposed amendments go beyond these objectives and could create uncertainty for civil society organisations.
The Forum also cited Articles 19, 21, 25 and 30 of the Constitution, arguing that the proposed amendments could have implications for freedom of association and expression, the right to livelihood, freedom of conscience and religion, and the rights of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions.
The GNF said dialogue and consultation should precede legislation affecting civil society organisations and NGOs. It alleged that the proposed amendments could restrict the participation of Christian organisations in charitable and social work and marginalise religious minorities.
The Forum therefore urged Parliament to reject the Bill in its present form and uphold constitutional freedoms, institutional autonomy and democratic space for civil society and religious minorities.
Given the “far-reaching implications” of the proposed amendments, the GNF also urged Parliament to refer the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, to a JPC for detailed examination and consultation with concerned stakeholders before further legislative action.
