Shillong, Aug 29: The Voice of the Party (VPP) President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said it was a loss that Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) could not be discussed in the Autumn Session of Meghalaya Assembly.
“I brought a discussion through a resolution so that the House could pass a resolution to show that we as a state oppose attempts of the Government of India to bring this Act,” he said.
He said failure to discuss means the state could not show its stand and legislators could not express feelings. “As of today we want clarity on various provisions of the Bill,” he added.
The opposition MLA said states like Meghalaya will be most affected. He noted missionaries spread education and health services.
He questioned who will own Church properties if the Bill becomes Act and properties taken away.
Basaiawmoit said he thought the government would bring resolution and he as opposition brought it but the issue could not be taken up due to paucity of time.
He hoped the Church leaders will take up the issue on their own and warned if stakeholders do not strongly oppose, Centre may bulldoze. Government only listens when people come to streets, they should be vigilant and not depend on the government, he said.
