Nagaland: Church Calls for Chief Minister's Intervention in Founding Pastor's Repatriation

DIMAPUR: The Spirit of Faith Church in Dimapur has appealed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland to help facilitate the return of its founding pastor, John Roughton, who was denied re-entry into India under unclear circumstances.

According to reports, Roughton, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, was turned back at New Delhi International Airport in November without explanation.

His wife, Zhepitoli Zhimomi Roughton, at a press conference on December 3 revealed that her husband was stopped by immigration officials upon landing and sent back to the United States on the same flight.

My husband who for over 30 years lived in India teaching peace, love, and integrity was refused entrance with no reason whatsoever. That's our home and we are demanding an explanation", she said, emphasizing how her family has been traumatized by the whole event.

She also said that she had written to the MHA seeking clarification and yet no information has been provided to her. On November 4, she wrote to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland and sent a copy to the US Embassy requesting the details of her husband's deportation.

Retired IAS officer Maongwati Aier, a member of the church, said that the Chief Secretary has forwarded the letter to the MHA, but no official response has been received so far. "The Ministry has stated that they are unaware of any valid reasons for denying Pastor Roughton entry. This lack of clarity is deeply troubling," Aier said.

According to OCI regulations, immigration authorities have the duty of giving a written explanation if entry is denied. But no such document was given to Roughton, noted Aier.

While keeping pressure on the state government, the church is weighing taking legal action. " Pastor Roughton never has, nor ever will pose any form of threat to national security or break any law whatsoever. Denying a legitimate entry to a registered OCI cardholder without proper cause is a serious cause," Aier said.

Church Advisory Board member Chuba Jamir appealed directly to the Chief Minister's office to engage with the MHA. "Our church has never engaged in any activity against other religions, denominations, or political entities. The absence of our founding pastor deeply affects us. We hope the state government will act to bring him back," Jamir said.

This has again raised concerns about transparency regarding the treatment of OCI cardholders; it has further revealed and highlighted the emotional and operational strain on the church and, more so, on Roughton's family. This is as they wait on answers, but the Spirit of Faith Church is resolute in its call for justice.

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