SHILLONG: In a strong defense of the central leadership, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Meghalaya MLA Alexander Laloo Hek stated that the Government of India is actively reviewing the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) grievances raised by various religious and social organisations.
Responding to criticisms that the Centre is indifferent to local concerns, Hek revealed that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has already met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside key religious bodies including the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), the Baptist Church, and the Catholic Church, to deliberate on the matter.
Prior to these high-level discussions, Hek himself hosted consultative meetings with the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) in Delhi and the NEICC at his Golflink office in Shillong to thoroughly understand the challenges posed by the FCRA regulations.
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Hek firmly dismissed allegations of central apathy, revealing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally acknowledged his official correspondence regarding the matter.
The Prime Minister’s Office has subsequently forwarded Hek’s proposals to the Ministry of Law and Justice for official action and consideration.
Emphasising that policy amendments require a thorough evaluation of all pros and cons before a final decision can be reached, Hek reiterated that India is a secular nation where the Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of faith to every individual, regardless of religion, caste, or creed.
While acknowledging that certain unidentified groups may have misused the facilities provided under the FCRA, Hek maintained that the genuine grievances of the people must be fought for, and he intends to convene a larger meeting with stakeholders across all religious groups and organisations to find a balanced resolution.
(4FrontMedia news)
