Dimapur, June 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Pastors' Union (NBPU) has expressed concern over the recent notification issued by the Government of Nagaland directing the removal of religious and NGO-related slogans, signages, stickers and identifiers from both private and public vehicles.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Nagaland Baptist Pastors, the Union maintained that Christianity has played a foundational role in shaping the moral, social and cultural identity of Nagaland.
It stated that the display of Bible verses, Christian symbols, faith-based messages, church names, denominational associations, fellowships, ministry identifiers and other Christian signages on vehicles is, for many citizens, a sincere expression of personal faith, religious conviction and institutional identity.
The NBPU expressed particular concern that the notification appears to extend beyond religious slogans and stickers to include the names and identifiers of churches, church associations, Christian fellowships, ministries and faith-based organisations displayed on vehicles.
According to the Union, such identifiers often serve legitimate purposes of identification, accountability, fellowship, ministry outreach and community service, and their removal could affect the visibility and recognition of religious institutions that have contributed to the welfare and development of society in Nagaland.
While acknowledging the Government's authority to regulate matters concerning public safety and transportation, the Union contended that faith-based signages, church identifiers and religious messages, when displayed in a lawful and non-obstructive manner, do not pose any threat to public order, road safety or communal harmony.
On the contrary, it stated, many such messages promote ethical conduct, responsible living, hope and moral values.
The NBPU further argued that a blanket prohibition on religious signages and identifiers may unintentionally affect the constitutional freedoms guaranteed under Articles 19 and 25 of the Constitution of India, which protect freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
The Union also maintained that several pressing traffic-related concerns, including road safety awareness, enforcement of traffic regulations, vehicle fitness standards, drunk driving, overloading, rash driving and other violations, require greater priority as they directly affect public safety.
According to the statement, religious signages and church identifiers on vehicles have long served as a harmless means of expressing faith, fellowship, institutional affiliation and community belonging in a state where the overwhelming majority of citizens profess the Christian faith. Such expressions, it added, have coexisted peacefully with the principles of secular democracy and have not been known to create public disturbance or compromise road safety.
The NBPU therefore appealed to the Government of Nagaland to review the notification, engage in meaningful consultations with church leaders, denominational bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, and consider an approach that balances regulatory concerns with the constitutional rights and religious sentiments of the people.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace, unity, responsible citizenship and constructive cooperation with the Government, the Union expressed hope that an amicable resolution could be reached through dialogue and mutual understanding while respecting both the rule of law and religious freedoms.
