Christian organisations in Nagaland have appealed to the government to reconsider a directive banning religious stickers, logos and identification signs on vehicles linked to churches and Christian institutions.
The appeal was submitted on 18 May by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum following an order issued by the state transport department late last month.
The government directive instructed owners of both private and public vehicles to remove unauthorised displays, including religious slogans, institutional signage and NGO markings, within 45 days or face possible legal action.
In a memorandum to state authorities, the Christian forum said Nagaland’s Christian identity has long been reflected through church symbols and faith-based expressions visible across the state.
The group argued that displaying church names or Christian symbols on vehicles should not be viewed as seeking privilege or special treatment. It noted that religious symbols from different faiths are commonly seen on vehicles throughout India.
Church leaders also stressed that identifying church vehicles serves practical purposes, especially during emergency pastoral visits, funerals, night travel and major religious gatherings.
Father George Rino, joint secretary of the forum, questioned why the policy appeared to be enforced specifically in Nagaland if it originated from national regulations.
He said displaying church-related signage on vehicles does not harm or offend the public.
Nagaland is currently governed by a coalition led by the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party along with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Reverend Zelhou Keyho, general secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, said the decision appeared to overlook the religious and cultural sensitivities of the state’s largely Christian population.
Several church bodies and civil society groups have also expressed concern that the order may conflict with constitutional protections related to religious freedom and traditional Naga practices.
The Phom Baptist Christian Association stated that church names and symbols on vehicles are mainly used for identification and community service rather than as signs of status or influence.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by UCA News.
