NSF condemns centre for denying visa to Franklin Graham

The Naga Students Federation expresses strong disappointment over the Centre's decision to deny a visa to evangelist Franklin Graham. This has led to the cancellation of his planned visit to Kohima. The federation highlights the hurt sentiments of the Naga people and criticizes the state government's inaction.

Guwahati: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has expressed disappointment and condemned the Centre's decision to deny a visa to evangelist Franklin Graham.

Following this, his visit to Kohima has been cancelled. NSF president Mteisuding Heraang and general secretary Kenilo Kent said the decision had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Nagas, who had been preparing to welcome Franklin.

The federation said his visit was expected to be a moment of spiritual significance and community strengthening, and that the sudden denial of permission had caused widespread resentment and sadness.

NSF raised serious concern over the role of the state government, particularly as it continued in alliance with the BJP-led government, whose policies, in the perception of many, had increasingly marginalised and suppressed the Christian community across the country.

Despite the gravity of the issue and the emotions of the people, the federation said the state government had failed to intervene, question, or condemn the Centre's decision.

It said an equally disturbing matter was the inconsistency displayed by the Government of India, noting that while it had relaxed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, it had simultaneously denied a visa to Franklin Graham.

NSF said the contradictory approach reflected a selective and discriminatory policy mindset, appearing to welcome commercial or tourism-related visitors while restricting those associated with Christian spiritual engagements.

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Source: EconomicTimes
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