Nagaland: Christian Forum Dimapur seeks exemption for church vehicles from signage ban
Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: The Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) has urged the Nagaland government to exempt officially registered church vehicles from restrictions on displaying church names and signage.
On May 9, the state government issued a notification banning the display of religious or NGO-based slogans, signage, stickers, and other unauthorised identifiers on both private and public vehicles unless specifically permitted under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister and the transport commissioner, the forum said church vehicles in Nagaland serve purposes far beyond transportation and often function as lifelines during emergencies, outreach missions, and humanitarian work.
It said that, as a Christian-majority state, Nagaland has churches that are deeply involved in education, healthcare, social welfare, peace missions, and humanitarian assistance, making church vehicles important tools for public service.
The forum highlighted that church vehicles are regularly used for pastoral visits, transporting the sick, carrying relief materials, conducting peace missions during conflicts, and serving remote villages.
According to the CFD, signage helps believers, particularly children, elderly persons, and visitors, identify vehicles meant for worship services, funerals, and church gatherings.
“These signages are not political slogans, commercial advertisements, or unlawful displays; they serve a legitimate community purpose,” it added.