Mizoram Churches Unite Against FCRA Amendment Bill 2026

In Mizoram, the Baptist Church and state government are united in their opposition to the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026. The Bill is criticized for granting the government excessive powers to seize assets funded by foreign contributions, which could jeopardize church-run institutions. Special prayers were held statewide, urging the Centre to reconsider the amendments. A high-level meeting led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma concluded that the Bill, as it stands, is unacceptable. The government plans to draft a memorandum for proposed changes and seek a meeting with the Union Home Minister. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and the survival of community welfare programs in Mizoram.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 13:48 IST

Opposition to the FCRA Amendment Bill

Baptist Church of Mizoram, Headquarters.

Aizawl, July 27: The Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) and the state government are actively opposing the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, 2026. In response to the Centre's initiative to amend the Bill, BCM organized special prayers across the state on Sunday.

Various churches and minority groups have voiced their concerns regarding the Bill, which would empower the government to confiscate assets funded by foreign contributions if licenses expire or are revoked. Additionally, the Bill imposes stringent disclosure requirements that could jeopardize the existence of church-operated schools, hospitals, and welfare organizations that depend on international donations.

As the second largest church denomination in Mizoram, BCM conducted mass prayer sessions during Sunday morning worship, urging the government to reconsider the proposed amendments.

On Friday, the church headquarters issued a directive for local congregations to hold special prayers on Sunday. The prayers also included petitions for Christians facing persecution nationwide, the safeguarding of religious freedoms, and support for Christian institutions impacted by the FCRA.

This prayer initiative followed a significant meeting on Saturday, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at his residence, which included leaders from the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC) and the Christian Coordination Committee (CCM).

After thorough discussions, the meeting concluded that the current form of the Bill is unacceptable and requires modifications. It was agreed that the Mizoram government would draft a memorandum outlining proposed changes to the legislation for submission to the Centre.

Furthermore, it was resolved that Chief Minister Lalduhoma would request a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following this, a joint delegation consisting of representatives from the state government, MKHC, and CCM will travel to New Delhi to present the memorandum.

The Chief Minister also indicated that Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) Lok Sabha MP, would oppose the legislation in Parliament if the Centre does not accept the recommendations from the Mizoram government and church organizations.