Kohima, Sept 3: The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday deferred a proposed discussion on “Satanic Worship” that had been listed on the opening day of its monsoon session.
The issue was raised by Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of the Naga People’s Front Legislature Party and former Home Minister, who sought to draw the House’s attention to the “Prohibition of Satanic Worship in Nagaland” under Rule 54 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. The Assembly Secretariat had earlier confirmed the matter as one of “urgent public importance.”
However, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer informed members that the matter had been “deferred until further listing.” Speaking to reporters, Nienu said the deferment came at the request of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Speaker, who suggested the issue required more study before being taken up in the House.
Nienu maintained that the subject was serious and stressed the need for legislation to ban what he termed a “cult” from gaining ground in the state.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) voiced strong reservations, expressing “grave concern” over the government’s decision to table the matter in the Assembly. The Forum warned that such a discussion could unintentionally promote or legitimize a practice it described as “universally rejected” and “alien to Naga society.”
The issue remains deferred, pending further review and possible re-listing for debate in the Assembly.
