Christian group complains about 'relentless attacks' in Assam

Guwahati: The Assam Christian Forum (ACF) on Thursday complained that there has been "relentless attacks" on the minority Christian community, their institutions and individuals in BJP-ruled state for the past few years.

The forum said this after an emergent meeting was convened in Guwahati on Thursday, days after a Christian villager in eastern Assam's Golaghat district was arrested on charges of attempt of conversion.

"Some elements have been attacking Christian institutions, demanding the removal of faith-revered statues and pictures. This blatant disregard for religious freedom and tolerance is unacceptable," ACF spokesperson Allen Brooks said in a statement.

The forum said police have been conducting investigations against the church and individuals in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Goalpara, and in a few other districts, creating "an atmosphere of fear and intimidation."

New act unleashes reign of suspicion

The forum said since the BJP-led government enacted the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act 2024, innocent church personnel and believers have been harassed and booked for praying for the sick and their well-being or even helping the poor and marginalized to cope with their studies. "This is a clear infringement of their constitutional rights."

The forum's complaint came days after Pranjal Bhuyan, a Christian villager in Golaghat district, was arrested and remanded to judicial custody for alleged violation of the act. Police said Bhuyan was arrested for allegedly trying to convert Hindu villagers through "magical healing practices." The allegation was, however, rejected by the ACF.

The act, passed in the Assam Assembly in February this year, prohibited "unscientific" healing practices with the government claiming that such practices had "ulterior motives."

BJP leaders in the state even said such healing practices were adopted for conversion among the tribals. Anyone proved guilty may face jail between one and three years and fine of Rs. 50,000 or both.

The forum further said a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader in Haflong in Dima Hasao, a tribal majority district, made "false and malicious accusations" against the Church, claiming that churches were responsible for drug menace in the tribal-dominated areas. "It is shocking that no action has been taken against him for hurting the sentiments of the entire Christian community."

The Christian community in Assam has made significant contributions to nation-building, education, health, media, literature, social service, skill development, and more. Despite this, they are being targeted for their faith, the ACF further said while appealing the state government safeguard the constitutional rights of the Christian minority community and protect them from being targeted for their faith. "We demand immediate action against those responsible for these attacks and false accusations."