The NSCN-K (Niki) has criticised the Nagaland government’s recent order banning the display of religion-based and organisation-related signage on vehicles, alleging that the move targets religious identity and freedom.In a statement issued through its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the group objected to the state government’s notification that prohibits the display of religious slogans, stickers, signboards and other unauthorised identifiers on both private and public vehicles.The group claimed that the order was against the spirit of religious freedom and alleged that the Indian legal system often contradicted itself in matters related to religion and cultural identity.The statement also referred to Article 371A, which grants special constitutional protections to Nagaland in matters related to religion, customary practices, ownership of resources and Naga traditions. The organisation alleged that such special provisions had repeatedly been overlooked or weakened over the years.Referring to the recent notification, the group said it has long been a common practice in Nagaland for churches and church organisations to display their names, logos and identifiers on vehicles owned or used by them.
According to the statement, church vehicles are often used for community work, humanitarian activities and social services in different parts of the state. It said such displays represent identity and service and should not be viewed as religious propaganda or coercion.The organisation further alleged that the notification was a “subtle attempt” to reduce the public visibility of Christian institutions and churches in the state under the cover of administrative regulation.It also claimed that the order could create situations where church leaders or institutions may face unnecessary questioning or harassment by police and security agencies if vehicles carrying church-related markings are treated as unauthorised.The group stated that Nagas have the right to openly practice and express their faith in public life and added that it would continue to support the principle of “Nagaland for Christ,” a phrase that has remained closely associated with Naga Christian identity for decades.The Nagaland government had earlier issued a notification banning the use of religion-based, NGO-based and other unauthorised slogans, stickers and identifiers on vehicles operating in the state.
According to the notification dated April 30, 2026, the order was issued under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and was based on an advisory issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The notification, issued by Robert Longchari, directed vehicle owners to remove such unauthorised displays within 45 days from the date of issue.
