SHILLONG, JUL 29: The National People’s Party on Wednesday said it is the only political party from the region that has made a robust and decisive assertion at the highest levels of the Union government to safeguard religious and minority institutions, and rejected reports claiming it has maintained “silence” on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
In a statement, NPP national working president James K Sangma termed the reports “unverified” and “politically motivated”, accusing rival parties of trying to create confusion for political gain.
Citing recent interventions, the party said Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K Sangma led a multi-denominational delegation to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi in July 2026.
The delegation included representatives from the Presbyterian Church of India, North East India Christian Council, Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong and Garo Baptist Convention.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister raised concerns over Section 16A(5) and other restrictive provisions in the draft FCRA Bill.
The delegation urged the Centre to ensure that charitable institutions providing education, healthcare and social welfare services in the state are not adversely impacted.
According to the NPP, the Home Minister gave a patient hearing and assured that extensive stakeholder consultations would be held.
The party also referred to an earlier engagement in April 2026, when the Chief Minister along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India met Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
The meeting focused on the role of charitable organizations in remote and tribal areas and the need for legislative safeguards to prevent operational and property-related vulnerabilities.”
The NPP does not believe in empty rhetoric or performative shouting. We believe in constructive, high-level engagement to deliver real protection,” the statement said.
It added that while some parties were “weaponizing” the issue for political posturing, the NPP remains committed to speaking up whenever the interests, rights and welfare of the people and social institutions are at stake.
By Our Reporter
