Mizoram Churches Protest Proposed FCRA Amendments Over Asset Seizure Concerns
The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), an apex body representing nine major Christian denominations in the state, has announced a protest rally in Aizawl on August 11 against the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The church body has raised serious objections to the proposed legislation, alleging that several provisions could adversely affect churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups that receive foreign contributions.
The protest is scheduled ahead of the proposed introduction of the Bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Addressing a press conference in Aizawl, CCM president Rev Dr R. Lalbiakliana alleged that the Mizoram government had not taken a sufficiently proactive stand against the proposed legislation.
He claimed that while the state government may not be directly impacted by the proposed law, churches and civil society organisations could face significant consequences if the Bill is passed.
“The CCM will continue its opposition until the proposed Bill is withdrawn,” Lalbiakliana said.
According to the CCM, the protest rally will begin simultaneously from Zarkawt and Sikulpuikawn at 10.30 am. Participants from both locations will march towards Vanapa Hall, where a public meeting will be held.
The organisation has appealed to all its member churches, other Christian denominations, NGOs and members of the public who oppose the proposed amendment to join the demonstration.
Lalbiakliana said that although the proposed amendment appears reasonable at first glance, a detailed examination of its provisions, particularly in the context of minority communities, has raised concerns about the possibility of administrative misuse.
The CCM expressed particular concern over provisions that would reportedly allow authorities to confiscate land, buildings and other assets acquired through foreign contributions if an organisation’s FCRA licence is cancelled.
It noted that under the existing FCRA provisions, organisations found to have used foreign funds for religious conversion can already face cancellation of their licences and confiscation of assets. However, the church body alleged that the proposed amendment would considerably widen the scope of such action.
The CCM also objected to the proposal for creating a designated authority that could allegedly be empowered to seize, liquidate or sell the assets of churches and NGOs without judicial warrants or court supervision.
Such provisions, Lalbiakliana claimed, could undermine due process and pose a serious threat to civil society organisations.
According to the CCM, 19 organisations in Mizoram currently hold FCRA licences, while only two churches—the Presbyterian Church of India and the Baptist Church of Mizoram—are registered under the Act.
Lalbiakliana also claimed that Christian organisations account for around 12 per cent of FCRA licence holders across India, but receive between 55 and 60 per cent of the foreign contributions regulated under the Act.