Dimapur, July 29 (MExN): The National People's Party (NPP) has rejected media reports alleging that the party had remained “silent” on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, asserting that it had actively raised concerns with the Union Government to safeguard religious and minority institutions.
In a press release, the party described the reports as “misleading” and “unverified,” claiming they originated from “opportunistic political rivals” seeking to score “cheap political points.”
The NPP maintained that it was the only political party from the region to have made “a robust, decisive assertion at the highest levels of the Union Government” on the issue. It said Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma had consistently led efforts to seek safeguards against provisions in the proposed legislation.
According to the party, Sangma led a high-level multi-denominational delegation of church and community leaders to New Delhi earlier this month, where they met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The delegation included representatives from the Presbyterian Church of India, the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong and the Garo Baptist Convention.
During the meeting, the delegation formally raised concerns over Section 16A(5) and other restrictive provisions of the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, urging the Centre to ensure that educational, healthcare and social welfare institutions were not adversely affected. The NPP said Shah gave the delegation “a patient hearing” and assured them that extensive stakeholder consultations would be undertaken before any decision.
The party further stated that in April 2026, Sangma, along with Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and representatives of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, met Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. During the meeting, they highlighted the role of charitable organisations in remote and tribal areas and sought legislative safeguards to prevent property and operational vulnerabilities.
Criticising the reports, the NPP said it was “deeply disappointed” that media outlets had given space to “entirely unverified, politically motivated information.” It alleged that while rival parties were using the issue for political posturing, the NPP preferred “constructive, high-level engagement” rather than “empty rhetoric or performative shouting.”
The party said it remained “unconditionally committed” to protecting the interests, rights and well-being of citizens and social institutions, adding that it would continue to raise issues affecting the people at the highest levels of government.
