Aizawl: The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM) has announced a protest march in Aizawl on August 11 against the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, alleging that its provisions could seriously affect churches and voluntary organisationsThe bill is expected to be taken up during the ongoing monsoon session of the Parliament.Addressing the media on Thursday, CCM leaders expressed disappointment over what they described as the Mizoram govt’s inadequate response to the proposed legislation. They said the govt might not have fully appreciated the gravity of the issue as churches and organisations receiving foreign contributions would bear its consequences.The CCM, an alliance of nine denominations, including the Presbyterian Church and the Baptist Church, said it will continue opposing the bill until it is withdrawn.The protest marches will begin simultaneously from Zarkawt and Sikulpuikawn at 10.30am and converge at Vanapa Hall, where a public programme will be held. The council has invited other denominations, non-governmental organisations and individuals opposed to the proposed amendments to participate.CCM leaders said some provisions of the bill, when viewed against the past and ongoing experiences of minority communities, could be vulnerable to misuse despite appearing reasonable at first glance.CCM claimed the authority will have extensive powers to seize, dispose of or sell properties belonging to churches and NGOs without prior court approval or oversight. It argued that such provisions could undermine legal safeguards and due process.The council said 19 organisations in Mizoram currently held valid FCRA registrations, while only the Presbyterian Church and the Baptist Church had registrations in the names of their respective denominations.It further claimed that Christian organisations constituted about 12% of all FCRA-registered entities in India but received an estimated 55% to 60% of the total foreign contributions under the Act.
