The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has strongly condemned the raid carried out by Assam Rifles at Samziuram Baptist Church, Peren District, Nagaland on 9 March 2026.
The press statement stated “the Global Naga Forum (GNF) strongly condemns the raid carried out on 9 March 2026 at Samziuram Baptist Church, including the intrusion into the residence of the Pastor. Conducting such an operation in the dead of night at a sacred place has seriously undermined the dignity of the church and the community.
“Particularly disturbing is the emergence of a “No Objection / Claim / Harassment Certificate” reportedly signed by the Samziuram Church Pastor and the Village Council Chairman stating that no harassment took place. If there is no sinister design behind the operation, the issuance of such a ready-made document raises serious questions. It is widely known that during search operations security forces often obtain “No Objection” signatures under difficult circumstances. The existence of such a certificate itself suggests that a search operation may have been carried out within the church premises, raising grave concerns about respect for the sanctity of a place of worship.
“This unwarranted intrusion has caused fear and distress among the Pastor, church leaders, and their families, while further eroding public trust between the Naga people and the security forces operating in Naga areas. The incident raises serious concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as the freedom of religion recognized under internationally accepted human rights principles.
“For decades, the Assam Rifles has projected itself as the “Friends of the Hill People.” However, incidents such as the intrusion into Samziuram Baptist Church stand in stark contradiction to that claim. Across civilizations and cultures, sacred spaces command universal respect, and even the authority of the state is expected to observe that boundary.
“The events at Samziuram cannot be dismissed as a mere operational lapse or the result of “misinformation.” Reducing the violation of a sacred space and the intimidation of civilians to a matter of incorrect information only diminishes the gravity of the issue.
“The Global Naga Forum therefore places on record its strongest condemnation of this incident and reiterates that the sanctity of religious institutions and the dignity of the people are nonnegotiable. The Forum will place this case, along with other documented incidents affecting the rights of the Naga people, before the appropriate constitutional and international human rights mechanisms for scrutiny and accountability.
“Issued in the interest of justice, dignity, and lasting peace” stated the statement of Media Cell, Global Naga Forum (GNF).
