Dimapur, May 10 (MExN): The NSCN-K (Niki) has criticised the Nagaland Government’s recent notification which reportedly banned the display of religion or NGO-based slogans, signage, stickers and other unauthorised identifiers on both private and public vehicles.
In a press statement issued on May 10 via its Ministry of Information and Publicity, the NSCN-K (Niki) alleged that Indian laws have “always contradicted” themselves and described Indian secularism as “a farcical sham.”
It further alleged repeated interference with the provisions of Article 371(A), including matters relating to religion, resources, customs and language.
Referring to the government notification, the NSCN-K (Niki) stated that it has been a long-standing and accepted tradition for churches and church associations to display the names, logos or signage of their respective institutions on vehicles belonging to them.
According to the statement, it has been “long-standing and accepted” tradition for churches and their associations to display names, logos, or signage on vehicles belonging to them.
Such display symbolises identity and service and is neither religious coercion nor propaganda, asserted the NSCN-K (Niki).
Terming the notification ‘insidious,’ the organisation further alleged that it was “a subtle attempt to suppress the visible identity and presence of Christians and churches in public spaces under the guise of administrative regulation.”
It also expressed concern that the notification could be ‘misused’ by Indian security forces and police personnel as a pretext to harass church leaders and institutions.
Stating that Nagas have the “God-given right” to practise and profess their religion openly in public, the NSCN-K (Niki) stated that it would continue to steadfastly defend “Nagaland for Christ.”
As per reports, the notification issued by then State Government on April 30 directed vehicle owners to remove such display within 45 days from the date of issuance of the notification.
