On the first day of the monsoon session, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly deferred a discussion on the issue of “satanic worship,” which was proposed by NPF MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu for debate.
Speaker Sharingain Longkumer announced the deferment for further study following requests from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and himself.
Addressing the media at the Legislators’ Home in the Assembly Secretariat, Azo Nienu described satanic worship as a very important issue. He recalled that the Jehovah’s Supported International Society had raised the matter on multiple occasions in 2022, 2023, and again in 2025. According to him, he had advised the group to approach all legislators and highlight these issues. He mentioned that that group had also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, which he personally forwarded to the Assembly for discussion.
Nienu alleged that under the banner of “Nagaland for Christ,” such practices were being encouraged and were now “spreading like wildfire.” He further revealed that Reverend Dr N Phapino, President of the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), had congratulated him on July 31 for raising the issue, stating that NJCF was proud of his initiative. Dr Phapino had also expressed interest in writing to the Speaker condemning satanic worship, Nienu said.
He said that NICF issued a letter addressed to the Speaker, Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers and to him.
However, Nienu expressed shock over the Forum’s subsequent public statement, which, according to him, appeared more like an encouragement. He pointed out that the NJCF had stated the discussion in the Assembly could risk giving “unnecessary promotion” to satanic worship. The Forum thinks the discussion would give a risk for unnecessary promotion of satanic worship, he added.
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“If they want us to ban this satanic worship, if they want the government to take some action without discussion, how can we formulate action?” he asked.
The MLA added that both the Speaker and the Chief Minister had urged that the Assembly conduct further investigation and research before bringing the matter up for full discussion at an appropriate time.
Nienu claimed that reports of alleged satanic worship had surfaced in districts including Dimapur, Kohima, Kiphire, Wokha, and Mokokchung, with videos circulating on social media. He alleged that such practices attributed to such groups included acts “contrary to Christian values and ethics,” citing murder, robbery, sexual immorality, drug abuse, and even alleged human sacrifices.
He also highlighted that several states, including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Assam, had already passed state-level ordinances against such practices. He argued that Nagaland, being a Christian-majority state, should consider similar legislation.
While underlining the role of the church in identifying and addressing such issues, Nienu maintained that the government also carried responsibility to highlight and regulate them in the interest of public order.
