Kohima : The NSCN/GPRN has strongly opposed the Nagaland government’s recent directive banning the display of religion- and NGO-based slogans, stickers, signage, and other unauthorised identifiers on private and public vehicles.

In a statement issued on May 10, the group alleged that the notification was aimed at diminishing the public visibility and identity of Christians and church institutions under the pretext of administrative regulation.

The NSCN/GPRN argued that the concept of secularism in India was being applied inconsistently and accused authorities of repeatedly infringing upon the special constitutional protections granted to Nagaland under Article 371(A), which safeguards matters related to religion, customary laws, language, and resources.

According to the organisation, churches and church-affiliated bodies have long used names, logos, and identifying signs on vehicles to indicate ownership and facilitate social, humanitarian, and community-oriented work.

The group maintained that such displays symbolise identity and public service rather than any form of religious coercion or propaganda.

The statement also expressed concern that the notification could be misused by police and security agencies to target or harass church leaders, pastors, and religious organisations while enforcing the directive.

Reiterating its stand, the NSCN/GPRN said Nagas have the constitutional right to openly practise and express their religious faith in public spaces and asserted that it would continue to uphold the principle of “Nagaland for Christ.”

The statement was issued by the MIP of the NSCN/GPRN.