The Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday postponed a scheduled discussion on a proposal seeking to ban “Satanic Worship” in the state. The debate, originally set for the first day of the monsoon session, was deferred after requests for additional time to examine the issue.

The motion was introduced under Rule 54 by Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Leader of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party and former Home Minister. Nienu highlighted the need for legislation to curb such practices, calling it a matter of serious public concern.

Although the Assembly Secretariat had classified the motion as being of “urgent public importance,” Speaker Sharingain Longkumer announced the deferment following consultations with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

Nienu, speaking to the media, expressed optimism that the matter would still be addressed and reiterated his appeal for a law to prohibit what he described as cult activities in Nagaland.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) raised concerns over debating the issue in the Assembly, cautioning that such discussions could inadvertently legitimize a practice considered alien to Naga society and widely opposed by the public.