SHILLONG : The National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday dismissed allegations that it had remained silent over the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, saying the party had already raised Meghalaya’s concerns with the Union Government through high-level meetings in New Delhi.
In a press statement issued by National Working President James K. Sangma, the party described reports suggesting it had taken no stand on the issue as “misleading” and “factually incorrect.”
According to the NPP, Meghalaya Chief Minister and the party’s National President Conrad K. Sangma personally led a delegation to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this month to discuss concerns over the proposed amendments. The delegation comprised representatives from the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI), North East India Christian Council (NEICC), Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong and the Garo Baptist Convention. The party said the delegation expressed concerns over Section 16A(5) and other provisions of the proposed legislation, warning that they could affect institutions involved in education, healthcare and social welfare. It added that Amit Shah assured the delegation that wider consultations with stakeholders would be carried out before any final decision.
The NPP also referred to an earlier meeting held in April 2026, when Conrad Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and representatives of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) met Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. During that meeting, the delegation highlighted the contribution of charitable organisations, particularly in remote and tribal regions, and sought safeguards against provisions they believed could disrupt their functioning.
Responding to recent criticism, the party alleged that certain political opponents had deliberately created a false impression that the NPP had remained inactive on the issue. “Some people are more interested in creating political noise than presenting the facts. Our stand has always been clear, and we have already taken the matter to the highest levels of the Central Government,” the party said in the statement.
The NPP further maintained that it prefers engagement with the Centre over political rhetoric, adding that it would continue to raise issues affecting churches, minority institutions and the people of Meghalaya whenever required.
The statement comes amid an ongoing political exchange over the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, with parties in Meghalaya trading accusations over who has taken a stronger stand on protecting religious and charitable institutions.