NCCI-IDEA Appeals for disability- sensitive policing and review of disability –producing crowd-control weapons

What happened on July 20th 2026 protest, Crowd-Control Measures, and Disability Concerns

The “Sansad Chalo” protest in New Delhi on 20 July 2026 saw large mobilisation and confrontation near Parliament. According to The Hindu, police used barriers, detentions, pellet-firing devices, and electric-shock batons to disperse crowds. The operation reportedly led to injuries among protesters and some police personnel, with concerns over eye injuries, neurological harm, and possible permanent disability. Following the incident, disability-rights organisations raised strong concerns and called for a nationwide ban on pellet guns and electric-shock batons, stating that these cannot be considered “less-lethal” due to their potential to cause blindness and irreversible disability.

Judicial Scrutiny and Civil Society Concerns

The events of 20th July 2026 are under judicial consideration, with the Delhi High Court directing preservation of CCTV footage and related evidence, and the Supreme Court of India examining connected petitions. The matter remains sub-judice, and questions of legality and responsibility are yet to be decided. Civil society and disability-rights groups, as reported in The Hindu, have called for a transparent, independent, time-bound investigation into the use of force. They stress that accountability discourse must include the disability-producing impact of crowd-control weapons.

Appeal for Disability Safe Policing

The Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment program of the National Council of Churches in India urges Government of India  to review and abandon use of pellet guns, electric-shock batons, and other crowd-control tools that may cause irreversible disability. And call for disability-inclusive policing reforms, including accessible warnings, safer de-escalation methods, improved training, and independent monitoring. Persons with disabilities face higher risks during dispersal and may be unable to respond quickly to warnings. NCCI–IDEA affirms that public safety and human dignity must be protected together, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.

 

Rev Ribin John,                                                                                                           
Executive Secretary,
Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment                                                     
National Council of Churches in India                       

                      
Mr Nelson Nazarit Nag
Program Executive,
Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment                                                     
National Council of Churches in India

A Solidarity Statement of the Commission on Youth –

National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)

Today, the voices of India’s students and youth are echoing across every corner of the nation. What began as a demand for an educational and examination system that is honest, transparent, fair, and accountable has grown into a wider call for justice, integrity, and equal opportunity. At the heart of this movement is a generation yearning for a just system, institutions that inspire public trust, and equal opportunities for every student to learn, flourish, and pursue their aspirations. Their concerns reflect deep disappointment with systemic failures and a longing for a nation where fairness, accountability, and hope remain the foundation of public life. This is a call to the conscience of our nation that deserves to be heard with sincerity and responsibility.

It is deeply concerning that peaceful democratic protests have, in many instances, been met with force instead of dialogue. Reports of lathi charges, tear gas, and other coercive measures against students and concerned citizens are distressing, particularly in a nation that takes pride in being one of the world’s largest democracies and is founded on constitutional values. Peaceful protest is not a threat to democracy—it is one of its greatest strengths. Responding to the aspirations of young people with confrontation rather than meaningful engagement risks eroding public trust and weakening our democratic spirit. The courage to listen, engage in dialogue, uphold justice, and exercise restraint must prevail over intimidation and the suppression of legitimate voices.

The Commission on Youth of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) stands in prayerful solidarity with every student and young person whose hopes have been shaken by systems that have failed to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. We recognize the courage of those who continue to raise their voices peacefully in pursuit of truth and accountability, and we remember with sorrow all those whose lives have been affected by this crisis. These protests should not be mistaken for a sudden awakening. Across generations, young people have never been silent spectators. Whenever systems have failed—in education, employment, or democratic life—they have stood up with courage and conviction. The pursuit of fairness, equal opportunity, and accountability has always been central to youth movements in India.

We urge the Government and all concerned authorities to address their legitimate demands and concerns with sincerity, urgency, and transparency, to safeguard the rights of students and youth across the country, both at present and in the future, and to restore public confidence through accountable governance. We also commend the utmost restraint shown by students, youth, and concerned citizens in upholding the principles of peace, non-violence, and democratic engagement. The strength of our democracy lies not in silencing dissent but in listening with wisdom and safeguarding the dignity and rights of every person.

A nation that calls its youth to study hard, dream big, and contribute to society must also honour its responsibility to protect their rights, listen to their concerns, and ensure they are never subjected to unfair treatment for standing up for justice. As an ecumenical fellowship, we believe the Church is called to stand wherever human dignity is threatened and justice is denied. We therefore invite churches, faith communities, youth organizations, civil society, and all people of goodwill to join in prayer and faithful action for a nation where truth is honoured, justice is upheld, and every young person can live, learn, and dream with hope. In this defining moment, may we choose truth over silence, hope over despair. The Scriptures remind us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17), and “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (Amos 5:24).

May our nation shine with justice, hope, and dignity for all.

Mihika M Bhore
Chairperson – Commission on Youth, NCCI

Smirti Priyansha
Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth, NCCI

Bevei Konah Simeon
Programme Executive – Commission on Youth, NCCI

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses its deep shock, grief, and sorrow over the killing of six Naga civilians—among them two pastors and four other civilians—who were abducted on 13 May 2026 from Leilon Vaiphei, Kangpokpi. The recovery of their mortal remains on 10 June 2026 allegedly in a mutilated and brutal condition is deeply distressing and strongly condemned.

Despite numerous appeals by church bodies, organizations, and concerned individuals for their safe release, this tragic and inhumane act has brought immense pain and grief to the bereaved families, the Christian community, and all peace-loving people across the country.

NCCI strongly condemns this senseless act of violence, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights, human dignity, justice, and peace. Such a heinous crime has no place in any civilized society, particularly in a predominantly Christian region where the values of compassion, respect for life, and reconciliation are urgently needed. NCCI reaffirms the sanctity of human life and calls upon all people to uphold and respect the dignity and rights of every person.

NCCI urges the Government and the concerned security and law enforcement authorities to take full responsibility for conducting a thorough and swift investigation into this horrific crime and to ensure that the perpetrators responsible are identified and brought to justice at the earliest, in accordance with the law of the land.

We further appeal to all stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organizations, and churches to exercise utmost restraint and work together towards peace, mutual respect, forgiveness, and reconciliation, remembering our common calling in Christ.

At this difficult time, NCCI extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families, the victims’ church congregations, and all affected communities. We stand in solidarity with them and pray for God’s strength, hope, justice, and healing. NCCI remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and harmonious relationships among all communities and will continue to advocate for dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of human life and dignity.

Prayers and Condolences

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) deeply appreciates the goodwill of the United Naga Council (UNC) for facilitating the safe release of 14 Kuki hostages on 9 June 2026. This humanitarian gesture, carried out in the spirit of upholding ethics in conflict times,   adherence to International Human Rights standards and protocols, trust in the assurance of the Union Government, and in response to the call and peace initiatives of the Churches is highly commendable and welcomed by all peace-loving communities across the country. It will surely pave the way for hope, peace, reconciliation, and mutual trust among the communities in the region.

In the same spirit, NCCI strongly appeals to Kuki civil society organizations to facilitate the immediate and safe release of the remaining six Naga hostages, including two pastors and four civilians. The lives and dignity of innocent civilians must be protected at all costs.

The NCCI urges the Union and State Governments to step up initiatives to secure the immediate and safe release of the six Naga hostages, and help reunite them with their families. The NCCI also demands a clear roadmap with a specific timeline from the Union and State Governments on taking responsibility to bring back peace and normalcy to the state of Manipur.

At this critical moment, a moment when truth, compassion, justice, and respect for human life must prevail over violence, fear, and division, NCCI reiterates its commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of all suffering families and communities, regardless of their identity or background.

The Council calls upon all concerned authorities, the Government, and all stakeholders to uphold the constitutional principles of law and justice, foster dialogue, and work collectively towards healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the state. NCCI also calls upon churches and people of goodwill to continue praying for the safe release of the remaining hostages, their families, and for peace in the region.

The NCCI is the national ecumenical expression of nationally networked historical, traditional and mainline Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer 
General Secretary, NCCI

To,

The Honourable Parliamentarians 
Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha.

Respected People’s representatives – Members of both houses of the Parliament,

Sub: Request to speak up against the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 cleared by the Union Cabinet and sought to be introduced in the Parliament in this session – reg.

  1. We bring to you a matter of grave concern on behalf of the Churches, Councils and the Organisations that we represent as the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), representing the religious aspirations of at least 48 to 49% of the counted population of Christians in India belonging to all the mainline and historic Protestant and Orthodox Christian traditions/ denominations. The Council was established in 1914, and has been serving the Churches and Christian Organisations in its Mission to the Nation since then. You will agree that the contribution of the Christian Community to Nation Building is immense. 
  2. The FCRA Amendment bill 2026 is sought to be introduced shortly before the Honourable members in the Parliament for, among other things, primarily creating a ‘designated authority’ for the vesting of the assets of the organisations that have for one reason or the other been denied renewal of it’s registration under the FCRA. This is a matter of grave concern. 
  3. The Act which is sought to be amended itself is found wanting on many counts. This has been raised in many fora, also in both houses of the Parliament. The Act does not provide scope for any opportunity to prove oneself before rejecting the application, which has be contested as being against the principle of natural justice. Appeals are routinely rejected. Furthermore, the Act renders an organisation ineligible to receive foreign funding if one or more of the Trustees have just pending litigation against them (not conviction), while the same is not a disqualification for even holding important constitutional offices.
  4. We also respectfully submit that the many cases of rejection of renewal applications are on technical aspects and not all on malafide intentions. Many an application can be restored if only the Government of India sets up a technical facilitation/ assistance cell to assist in compliance, without rushing into criminalising acts that have no malafide intent, and pronouncing judgement even without an opportunity for trial. 
  5. This being so, it fails logic and understanding as to how the assets of organisations unjustly penalised under a law that needs to be challenged, and purportedly now ‘vested’ with the Government of India, be ‘appropriated for utilisation as deemed necessary’ with such haste; albeit under not so well conceived and hurriedly put together mechanisms and processes. In the context of organisations managed by minority communities it can also be construed as violating Articles 25, 26 and 30 of the Constitution of India which provides rights to administer and manage its affairs and institutions.
  6. The reduction in penalty from five to one year prison term and the exemption provided to worship places do not merit any positive acknowledgement as they put the cart before the horse and further complicate the matter, particularly with regard to social services rendered from worship spaces and vice versa, and the authority vested with power to decide the nature of the primary utilisation of the said space both with regard to its usage and the quantum of foreign contribution in case of mixed funding.
  7. Most importantly, apart from the interests of the organisations that will lose their assets and funds, a consequential and lasting effect will be evidenced in the permanent denial of access to education and health, as well as to linkage with government entitlements, for people in remote locations for whom NGO services become the only last-mile connectivity to the government schemes and to the outside world. This in turn will negatively impact national building and the achievement of the National Goals and Targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to which the social sector has immensely contributed.
  8. It will not be out of place to mention here that many of the assets (including the funds in bank accounts) that will now be utilised/ managed by the Government of India through the ‘designated authority’, could possibly have emanated and transferred through proper channels from the exchequers (tax money) of friendly countries for the welfare of the people of India, opening up possibilities for litigations of different proportions and loss of credibility of the jurisprudence of our respected and Honourable lawmakers.

Under the circumstances, we urge the Honourable Parliamentarians to represent the concerns herein mentioned and reject the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026, and call for further study and public scrutiny through a JPC or Commission of Experts before it is introduced in the Parliament or incorporated into the Act.

We remain committed to serving the people of our dear motherland, after the manner of Jesus who gave his life for the least, the last and the lost. With or without assistance from across the borders our work to establish the rights of people falling through the gaps of ‘development’ and advocate to enhance the quality of life of the marginalised communities all over the country will remain non-negotiable. 

We will continue to strive tirelessly, along side everyone including the government agencies, to leave no stone unturned in building a strong India.

We urge your urgent attention to the matter please.

Sincerely yours,

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
For and behalf of the National Council of Churches in India.

31st March 2026.

 

The demand to grant Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians and Muslims is currently being heard by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India through multiple petitions.

These cases challenge the discriminatory provision of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 which states that only those persons of SC communities professing the faith of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism will be entitled to privileges granted to Schedule Caste communities. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has set up a 3 judge bench to hear the batch matters and these are now pending adjudication.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Adv Prashant Bhushan has strengthened the case by raising important constitutional and human rights concerns. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), and few others have also impleaded as party in the case, showing the involvement of the Church in seeking justice for Dalit Christians.

At the same time, the Government of India has appointed the K. G. Balakrishnan Commission to study the issue raised in the petitions including the stigma of caste despite conversion and submit a comprehensive report. NCCI along with CBCI, NCDC and many other Dalit Christian groups has submitted reports to the Justice BalaKrishnan Commission in 2025. The Commission is yet to submit its report.

It is important to distinguish these ongoing matters raising important Constitutional issues from the recent judgment in Chinthada Anand vs. State of Andhra Pradesh (2026), which dealt only with the applicability of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in a specific case, and to note that this recent judgement should not ordinarily affect the broader question of SC status for Dalit Christians.

The issue of SC status for persons of SC communities professing Christian faith is still pending before the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the NCCI is committed to get a favourable decision on the matter . . .

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

Repeated attempts to secure the release of the arrested nuns in Chhattisgarh have proved futile. Leaders from the Churches in India as well as those in the civil society have condemned the arrest of the two nuns in Chhattisgarh last Friday and demanded their immediate release. The leadership of the National Council of Churches in India echoes these sentiments and calls on the Government of India to hear the call of the Indian Christian Community and URGENTLY intervene in this and several such instances of actions against members of the Christian community, both in the practice of faith and the discharge of their ministerial calling.

It is common knowledge that it is the essential calling of the Christian Communities individually and jointly, also through their Churches and Christian organisations their staff and the faithful, to be involved in such humanitarian work the world over and mostly among communities that are historically discriminated and socially disadvantaged. It is unfortunate that such acts motivated by love for fellow citizens from weak and vulnerable communities, and often aimed at aiding the States initiatives including schemes such as ‘beti balchão beti padao’ to address those who are falling through the gaps, is sought to be criminalised.

Media is filled with news of violence against Christians in different parts of the country. Most of these attacks are on Christians that are simply practicing their religion, the religion of their choice, and congregating in designated places for peaceful conduct of prayers. In almost all cases the Christian Communities have been doing these with no ill-will and within the ambit of the law of the land. It is deplorable that violence is unleashed by ‘mobs’ on such peaceful assembly and practice of faith of one’s choice, oftentimes with the state-machinery standing by as helpless onlookers or silently consenting. It is even more distressing to see women and children being attacked.

More and more states, the latest being the state of Maharashtra, threaten to and eventually enact laws to ‘protect’ Freedom of Religion and Belief. These, adding to those that already exist in 11 states across the country have only alienated minority communities further, and provided ammunition for harassment of the community often in the hands of mobs aided by the absence of the state in the active discharge of it’s duties to protect the attacked.

The long-standing issue of making the 1950 Presidential order religion-neutral, the evading peace in the state of Manipur which continues to be detrimental to the Christian Community, delayed filling of vacancies in the Minorities related Commissions continue to be issues that the Christian community is affected with. Calls to rein in leaders who delivered inflammatory hate speeches against Christians also were not heeded to.

The National Council of Churches in India the official mandated body representing the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India is deeply committed in engaging with the Government in finding a solution to these vexed issues of communities blaming each other and the minorities among them being harassed. We urge the Government of India to address and contain all forces that seek to polarise religious communities and work on synergising the strengths of organisations of religious and social communities in achieving a higher index of Gross National Happiness and thereby better economic growth and eradication of poverty, malnutrition and hunger reflected in all social parameters and their indicators.

We urge the Government of India, one more time, to engage with the official bodies of the Christian communities in India such as the National Council of Churches in India and it’s sister bodies to deal substantially and conclusively with all outstanding issues relating to christians, in order that the credibility of this nation’s plural being and it’s ethos of unity in diversity is further affirmed and celebrated. We stand committed as always to the growth of the nation and her people, and to the express resolve of the Governments for inclusive growth and building a strong future for the people of India.

God bless India. May the current session of the Parliament bring prosperity and peace to all peoples of the land. We look forward to the IMMEDIATE release of the arrested sisters, and all others in custody for the practice of their Chrsitian faith and discharge of their responsibilities in Christian mission.

CONDEMNATION OF INHUMAN ATTACK ON DALIT CHRISTIANS  ON THE NIGHT OF JUNE 22, 2025 IN NEPANAGAR VILLAGE, BURHANPUR DISTRICT MADHYA PRADESH- APPEAL FOR JUSTICE

We are deeply shocked, heartbroken, and outraged by the horrifying and inhumane incident that occurred on the night of June 22, 2025, in Nepa Nagar village, Burhanpur district, Madhya Pradesh. According to verified reports and viral video evidence, a mob of approximately 150 individuals forcibly entered the residence of a Christian pastor and subjected four Dalit Christians to brutal physical assault, humiliation, and public degradation. They were stripped, paraded semi-naked, verbally abused, and forced to bow before a Hindu deity under coercion — all on the false accusation of religious conversion.

This barbaric act not only violates the core values of humanity and dignity but also constitutes a gross infringement of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, the right to equality, and the right to life and personal liberty under Articles 25, 14, and 21 respectively.

Even more disturbing are credible accounts that local police officers were either passive bystanders or complicit actors during the public parading of the victims. This failure of law enforcement, and alleged support to vigilantes, has deeply eroded the community’s faith in the rule of law and justice.

Such orchestrated violence against Christians — particularly against the marginalized Dalit community practicing Chrsitian Faith is part of a deeply concerning pattern of intolerance, intimidation, and communal targeting that must be urgently addressed.

We therefore demand:

  1. Immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the assault, humiliation, and public shaming of the Christian community.
  2. Full compensation and protection to the victims and their families.
  3. Concrete action against those who misuse anti-conversion laws to target minorities.
  4. Implementation of strong measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of religious minorities and uphold India’s secular democratic ethos.

We stand united in our condemnation of this heinous attack. No religion or belief system condones such cruelty. We urge the Minister of Home Affairs Government of India, Chairperson: National Human Rights Commission, Chairperson: National Commission for Minorities, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh to act decisively and urgently — to uphold justice, restore dignity, and reaffirm our collective faith in the secular fabric of this nation.

Rev. Asir Ebnezer
General Secretary, NCCI

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) condemns the intent of the Uttar Pradesh Government in moving the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024. This amendment significantly intensifies the provisions of the original Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. While the 2021 Act already classified religious conversion as a cognizable and non-bailable offense, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for conversions conducted through marriage, misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or other allegedly fraudulent methods, the new amendment introduces even harsher measures. It raises the maximum penalty from 10 years to life imprisonment, allows any individual to file a complaint, and complicates the bail process.

We object to this law in so far as it violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Conversion itself is not an offence unless induced by undue influence, misrepresentation, or coercion, which only the victim can claim. Additionally, the new law adversely affects the harmonious life in India and the basic rights of it’s citizens;

  • Impact on Fundamental Rights: The anti-conversion law encroaches on the constitutional right to freely practice and profess religion, a fundamental human right recognized by both the Indian Constitution and international human rights standards.
  • Restrictions on Personal Freedom: The law imposes undue limitations on individuals’ ability to make independent choices regarding their faith.
  • Potential for Abuse: The law grants extensive authority to officials and any third parties which could be misused to target specific individuals or communities based on religious prejudice.
  • Risk of Increased Harassment: There is a risk of heightened harassment and criminalization of peaceful religious practices, including baptism in Christianity.
  • Exacerbation of Communal Tensions: By creating an environment of mistrust and division, the law threatens to aggravate communal tensions and undermine India’s diverse religious harmony.
  • Vague Provisions: The law contains ambiguous provisions including that of ‘mass conversion’ that are susceptible to broad interpretation, leading to inconsistent enforcement and possible injustice.
  • Paternalistic Approach: The law adopts a paternalistic perspective, undermining individuals’ dignity by implying they are incapable of making informed choices about their own religious beliefs.

In light of these concerns, NCCI calls on the Uttar Pradesh Government to rethink this law and promptly abandon its effort to enact it.  It is imperative that we uphold the values of freedom, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations.

We encourage a more inclusive dialogue with all faith groups on how best to address concerns about coercive conversions without infringing on fundamental freedoms. The emphasis should be on ensuring that all individuals can make personal choices without fear of legal repercussions or social ostracism.

Rev Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

Dated: 31 July, 2024

The situation in Palestine and Israel is deplorable. Unabated violence has made several homeless, many injured and dead.

We pledge our prayers for the Peace in Palestine and Israel, and plead with all concerned – Governments and Agencies alike – to do all that is in their power to stop violence, save lives and de-escalate further damage to the people of Palestine and Israel, and in the region.

As the National Council of Churches in India, we unambiguously condemn violence in all its guises and the loss of innocent lives on both sides especially the attack and killing of more than 2,500 civilian lives from 6th of October, 2023. We decry violence as it perpetuates suffering and pain, and we remember that every life is a precious creation of God. We mourn for every lost life. We speak comfort to all bereaved.

We cannot turn a blind eye to the long and painful history of oppression and the forceful occupation of Palestinian land. Over many decades Palestinians have borne the weight of dispossession, displacement, and the denial of their fundamental human rights, injuring over 152,560 Palestinians and over 6307 Israelis since 1948. In our hearts, we know that “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

We invite all constituents and their units to earnestly lift this concern to God in Prayer. Pray for the immediate cessation of the conflict.

While we pray for the immediate cessation of conflict and healing, we also pray for the long-awaited Justice for the people of Palestine.

May God bring healing in the land.

The Call: A Lament of the Suffering 

Psalm 23 Inspired by the Kairos document

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI