By Nirmala Carvalho, From Anglican Ink. (Photo: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
The Indian government has denied a visa to evangelical preacher Franklin Graham, son of the well-known Billy Graham, who was expected to attend an event in Kohima on 30 November. The decision has provoked harsh reactions in Nagaland, where the Naga Students’ Federation denounces a ‘selective and discriminatory’ policy, especially after the relaxation of special permits for visitors who want to participate in certain cultural festivals.
The Indian government has denied a visa to American evangelical leader Franklin Graham, who was due to take part in an event organised by the Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship on 30 November. The incident has provoked a strong wave of indignation in Nagaland, an Indian state with a Christian majority. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called the decision ‘selective and discriminatory’ and described the refusal as ‘deeply offensive to the feelings of the Naga people’.
In its statement, the NSF highlighted the contradiction of the central government, which on the one hand decided to relax the requirements for obtaining a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s largest cultural event. On the other hand, however, it denied a visa to Graham, son of Billy Graham, a well-known Baptist preacher who became popular in the last century. ‘This inconsistency is indicative of a discriminatory mindset,’ the federation reiterated.