Mizoram Congress stages 'Black Day' protest over proposed FCRA amendment Bill
Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Tuesday staged a 'Black Day' protest outside Vanapa Hall in Aizawl against the BJP-led Central Government's proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and passed six resolutions demanding its withdrawal.
The protest was organised to oppose the Centre's move to introduce and pass the Bill during the ongoing Parliament session.
MPCC Senior Vice-President Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said the proposed legislation would make it more difficult for recipients of foreign contributions to obtain certification and seek an appeal if their applications were rejected.
He said the Bill could adversely affect churches and non-governmental organisations in Mizoram that rely on foreign funding for charitable activities, including the operation of hospitals, schools and welfare services.
AICC Mizoram in-charge Chella Kumar alleged that the proposed amendment targeted NGOs and minority communities.
He said institutions established with FCRA support, including churches, hospitals, schools and welfare organisations, could face serious challenges if the Bill was enacted. He also reiterated that the Congress would continue to oppose the proposed legislation.
During the programme, the MPCC unanimously adopted six resolutions, including a demand for the immediate withdrawal of the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026.
The resolutions also urged the Centre to stop the alleged harassment of Christians in India and called on the Mizoram Chief Minister to speak in support of Christians. The party also urged the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of church leaders, NGO representatives and political party leaders to jointly press the Prime Minister for the Bill's withdrawal.
The Congress further demanded that Mizoram's two Members of Parliament vote against the Bill instead of abstaining. Mizoram has one Lok Sabha and one Rajya Sabha member, both of whom belong to the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM).
The party also called on the State Government to convene a special session of the Assembly to pass a resolution opposing the proposed amendment.
Former ministers Zodintluanga Ralte, John Rotluangliana, H. Rohluna and several senior Congress leaders participated in the protest.