Guwahati: A large number of church members gathered in Aizawl on Tuesday to protest against the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026. The demonstration was organised by the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM).
Participants from Sikulpuikawn and Zarkawt walked towards Vanapa Hall, where the protest meeting was held. Members and supporters of different churches carried banners and placards expressing their opposition to the proposed changes.
CCM president Rev R Lalbiakliana told the gathering that the Centre had said the amendments were meant to strengthen safeguards and were not specifically directed at Christians.
He said the CCM was concerned that certain provisions could still have consequences for Christians and other minority communities. Lalbiakliana said churches and NGOs could lose their properties and assets if the Bill is passed in its current form.
According to him, the proposed provisions may also conflict with Article 300A of the Constitution, which protects the right to property.
The proposed law sets out provisions for taking control of, managing and disposing of foreign contributions and assets held by organisations whose FCRA registration ends. This would cover cases where registration is cancelled, surrendered or not renewed.
A designated authority would be responsible for handling such assets under the proposed system.
The CCM has previously opposed the Bill, citing concerns over its possible effect on churches and other organisations that use foreign contributions for religious, social and charitable activities.
The protest in Mizoram comes amid similar opposition in Nagaland. Both Christian-majority states have called for closer parliamentary examination of the proposed legislation and greater consultation with stakeholders.
They have also sought consideration of sending the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
The FCRA sets the rules for receiving and using foreign contributions by individuals, associations and non-governmental organisations in India.
Among the proposed changes is a mechanism to deal with the foreign funds and assets of organisations after their FCRA registration comes to an end.
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026, the proposed legislation has drawn strong opposition from church bodies, civil society groups and opposition parties during the current Monsoon Session.