Mizoram Assembly Adopts Resolution to Protect “Religious Freedom” amid Rising Persecution Cases

Aizawl, February 22, 2020:

Mizoram Assembly has adopted a resolution urging the central government to take measures to protect religious freedom amid rising cases of religious persecution.

According to Opposition Congress legislature party leader Zodintluanga, who moved the resolution, said that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, the religious minorities have come under attack. He viewed that religious persecution has increased to a great extent since BJP’s take over at the centre.

Rising incidents of atrocities against minorities have been reported from different parts of the country since the BJP gained power.

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According to the leader, India has climbed up to top ten countries in the world due to rising communal clashes. He also viewed that the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was discriminatory as it granted citizenship on the basis of religion.

On the other hand, ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) members, including party president and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga argued that persecution of religious minorities was high during the Congress regime as well, which introduced anti-conversion law in the country.

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Zoramthanga reiterated that he did not follow the ideologies and principles of the BJP and was strongly opposed to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill before it became a law. However, after much discussions, the MNF, as well as the opposition unanimously passed the resolution, which stated that the Central Government must take measure to ensure that ‘religious freedom’ is continuously protected.

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