CM urged to take up matter with MHA to facilitate pastor’s return

December 4, 2024 6 Views No Comment

Church says will move court if MHA do not respond

Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 4

The Spirit of Faith Church, Dimapur, urged the Nagaland Chief Minister to facilitate the return of its founding pastor.

John Roughton, the pastor, was denied re-entry into India from the USA, and turned back at the New Delhi International Airport, in November, allegedly without any explanation. “My husband, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, was denied entry at the immigration desk upon his arrival 34 days ago. No explanation or reason has been provided,” Zhepitoli Zhimomi Roughton, the wife of John Roughton told a press conference on December 3.

She along with her husband were travelling back to Nagaland from New York. Her husband was stopped by immigration officials after landing and sent back to the USA by the same flight.

Nagaland tourism packages

According to her, attempts to inquire from the Ministry of Home Affairs the grounds for denying her husband’s return to India has been to no avail.

“We demand an answer. My daughter and I were waiting for him to return. This is our home,” she said, while stating that her husband has done nothing wrong during his over 30 years residency in India, besides teaching about peace, love, honesty and living a life free from wrong. “I appeal to our Nagaland State Government to look into this matter and bring my husband back,” she added.

On November 4, she had written to the Nagaland Chief Secretary requesting information on what grounds her husband was sent back. A copy of the letter was also addressed to the US Embassy.

Maongwati Aier, a retired IAS officer of the State Government, who is also a member of the church, told the press conference that the letter was forwarded to the MHA by the Chief Secretary. “As of now, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that they are also unaware of the valid reasons for the denial. This remains a mystery, and we would like to know the reason behind this denial of entry,” Aier said.

Nagaland tourism packages

As per the OCI rules, a written explanation should be provided if entry is denied. However, he held that no such information was given by immigration.

While he urged the MHA and immigration authorities to review Roughton’s case, he added that the church was also considering moving court. He asserted that pastor Roughton has never threatened national security, or violated immigration and citizenship laws.

“He is a registered Overseas Citizen of India cardholder, a status granted for life by the Government of India. Denying entry to an OCI cardholder without a valid reason is concerning,” Aier added.

Chuba Jamir, a member of the Church Advisory Board Member, especially appealed to the office of the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the MHA. “Our church has never spoken against any religion, denomination, political party or politician. The reason for this denial is a big concern for all of us. The church misses him, his family misses him…” Jamir said.