The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has condemned the recent incident in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, where Pastor Raju Sadasivam and his wife were publicly harassed, humiliated, filmed and intimidated by individuals questioning their faith.

The federation, which represents 97 colonies across 23 wards and 23 urban council jurisdictions under 97 colony chairmen, expressed that the incident is “deeply disturbing and shameful”.

In a statement issued by Information & Publicity Secretary, Kevipietsu Savino, the DUCCF stated that even in the absence of physical assault, such acts of public intimidation, hate speech, and psychological harassment are grave violations of human dignity and constitutional rights.

No citizen of India should ever be made to feel unsafe, threatened, or humiliated because of their religious beliefs, it added.

“ When any religious group or individual attempts to impose fear, suspicion, or hatred upon another community, it not only wounds the targeted victims but also damages the moral and democratic fabric of the nation,” the DUCCF stated while affirming that religious committees, faith-based groups, and community leaders carry a sacred responsibility to promote peace, understanding, and brotherhood.

“ Differences in faith must never become reasons for confrontation or vigilantism. True faith is expressed through respect for others, not through intimidation or public shaming,” it further stated.

Highlighting Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion, the Federation said any act that undermines this freedom is an assault on the Constitution itself.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The DUCCF appealed to all communities living in Nagaland to unite together and contempt such intimidations on any religious institutions and urged Government of India and the concerned state authorities to act decisively, impartially, and swiftly in such matters.

It said registration of an FIR must be followed by sincere investigation and accountability, so that public confidence in the rule of law is restored and such incidents are not repeated.

“Silence or delay only emboldens intolerance. In India, intimidation or insults against a person’s religious beliefs are punishable offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), primarily covered by Sections 153A, 295, 295A, 503, and 505,” it stated.

The federation also called upon all citizens of India—irrespective of religion, caste or community—to reject hatred and fear, and to stand united for peace. India can progress only when every community feels secure, respected, and valued.

The DUCCF expressed solidarity with Pastor Raju Sadasivam, his family, and the Christian community, as well as with all minority communities facing intimidation across the country and reaffirmed its commitment to communal harmony, peaceful coexistence, and the constitutional vision of a just, inclusive, and compassionate India.

“Let India remain a nation where every citizen can live, worship, and celebrate their faith freely, without fear,” it said.