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 unleashed 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.
This story was originally published in deccanherald.com. Read the full story here.