Aizawl: The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), the umbrella body representing the state’s major Christian denominations, will organise a protest march in Aizawl on August 11 against the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026.
Announcing the decision at a press conference at the Aizawl Press Club on Thursday, the council said certain provisions in the proposed legislation could adversely affect churches and other organisations receiving foreign assistance.
CCM president Rev. R. Lalbiakliana said all churches in the state, including those outside the CCM fold, as well as voluntary organisations, would be invited to participate in the protest.
He said the proposed amendments contain some positive provisions but also includes significant shortcomings.
The CCM comprises nine member churches: the Mizoram Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church of Mizoram, Evangelical Church of Mizoram, Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Church, Evangelical Free Church of India, Isua Krista Church, Independent Church of India, Wesleyan Methodist Church of Mizoram and Zomi Baptist Church.
The proposed legislation seeks to promote transparency and ensure that foreign funding does not compromise national interests. However, church bodies in Mizoram have expressed concern that some of the proposed amendments could affect the functioning of churches and faith-based organisations dependent on foreign contributions.
Opposition to the proposed Bill has been gathering momentum in the state. On July 26, the Baptist Church of Mizoram organised special prayer services across its congregations over the proposed amendments.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act governs the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and non-governmental organisations in India.
With the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, expected to be taken up during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the August 11 march is set to be the first coordinated public protest by Mizoram’s church bodies against the proposed legislation.