Aizawl: BJP Mizoram Pradesh has welcomed Centre’s decision to refer the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), saying it reflects willingness to consider concerns raised by Christian organisations across the country.In a statement, BJP Mizoram state general secretary and chief spokesperson Delson Notlia thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central leadership, noting that the referral followed representations from various Christian bodies.Lok Sabha Secretariat announced on Aug 12 that the Bill had been sent to a JPC for detailed examination. The panel will have 21 Lok Sabha members to be nominated by Speaker Om Birla and 10 Rajya Sabha members to be nominated by CP Radhakrishnan. The JPC has been asked to submit its report before the Winter Session of Parliament.FCRA Amendment Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25, with the stated objective of increasing transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions and preventing misuse for activities considered detrimental to national security.Notlia said Christian organisations and NGOs had raised concerns, particularly over Section 16A, objecting to provisions that could allow govt to take over property and assets acquired through foreign contributions if an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled for alleged violations.He said representations to Union govt included a July 5 meeting in which Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and representatives of major Christian organisations met Union home minister Amit Shah, and an April 8 meeting between Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and Union minister Kiren Rijiju. A CBCI delegation led by adviser Jonathan Lalremruata also met Shah on July 10. BJP Mizoram unit submitted its own representation to Shah on July 13 through its state president and legislator K Beichhua.According to Notlia, Shah assured Christian representatives that the proposed legislation was not aimed at targeting Christianity but was intended to address national security concerns. Notlia said Shah noted that India received around Rs 17,000 crore in foreign contributions in 2025-26, of which Christian organisations received about Rs 3,000 crore, or under 15%.“Even this figure makes it clear that the FCRA Amendment Bill cannot be viewed as an attempt to target Christians,” Notlia said.He also referred to an Aug 6 meeting between CM Lalduhoma, Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee (MKHC) chairperson, Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM) general secretary and Shah. The Mizoram delegation submitted a joint memorandum, listing provisions relating to seizure of property and assets after cancellation of FCRA registration among key concerns.Notlia said Shah assured the delegation that cancellations of FCRA licences made before enactment of the proposed 2026 amendment would not be applied retrospectively. Shah also reportedly told them that provisions concerning property and assets already existed in the FCRA amendment passed in 2010 under the Congress-led govt. Notlia said Shah agreed to provide paragraph-wise written responses to other points raised in the memorandum.The BJP leader criticised the Mizoram delegation led by chief minister for not issuing a comprehensive public account of its meeting with home minister, and said CCM general secretary later met BJP state president on Aug 9 to discuss the issue.Notlia said it was regrettable that some representatives chose to proceed with an agitation despite Centre’s engagement. He also criticised statements made at rallies by some church leaders, including claims that churches, schools and other buildings acquired through locally generated funds could be seized under the proposed law.“Such claims are not contained in the FCRA Amendment Bill, and we deeply regret that such misinformation was conveyed to the public by church leaders,” he said.Notlia accused Mizoram Congress of using the FCRA issue as a political tool and attempting to draw church leaders into political confrontation.“It is deeply regrettable that the Congress is trying to use the sincere and politically neutral church leadership as a political weapon,” he said.He said BJP would continue to work for Mizoram’s interests and welfare. “Whenever our Mizo people face difficulties, whether within Mizoram or outside the state, we will continue to stand firmly with them and remain ready to extend our support,” Notlia added.
