Dimapur, May 18 (MExN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has submitted a memorandum to the Advisor of the Transport Department, Government of Nagaland, seeking permission to use identification stickers, logos, and glass markings on church vehicles for security and identification purposes.
In the memorandum, addressed to the Transport Advisor, the forum stated that church-owned vehicles used by pastors, church workers, and different church departments have become essential for ministry-related activities, including pastoral care, outreach programmes, transportation during church services, conventions, funerals, and emergency relief work.
The NJCF maintained that displaying the name of churches or faith-based symbols on such vehicles serves primarily as an identification mark and should not be viewed in the same context as status symbols or unauthorized displays.
Referring to the recent government order directing the removal of church names and faith symbols from private vehicles, the forum said the move appeared “unreasonable” and argued that religious expressions on church vehicles should not be misconstrued. It further noted that similar religious symbols and markings are commonly displayed in other parts of India without restriction.
The forum stated that clear identification of church vehicles has become increasingly important for security, accountability, and smooth movement, particularly during late hours, large gatherings, and in sensitive areas.
In its memorandum, the NJCF requested the department to permit the use of official church identification stickers or logos on the front and rear windshields of vehicles owned or officially used by registered churches and Christian organisations.
It also sought permission for standard lettering such as “Church Duty,” “Pastor,” “Church Worker,” or the name of the church or organisation on vehicle glass for easier identification by traffic personnel, police, and the public.
Additionally, the forum appealed to the department to issue necessary guidelines to district RTOs and traffic police to recognise such markings so that church vehicles engaged in ministry work are not hindered during routine checks, especially during night services, funerals, and emergency pastoral visits.
According to the memorandum, such provisions would enhance the security of pastors and church workers travelling at odd hours, help law enforcement agencies identify bonafide church vehicles, and reduce misunderstandings during traffic management at large Christian gatherings.
The NJCF also assured the department that churches would ensure responsible use of such identification and submit lists of authorised vehicles if required.
