Assam Police sought details of churches established and conversions

The special branch headquarters of the Assam police has reportedly sought details of churches established in the last one year in the state and instances of conversions from the police officers concerned, creating a sense of insecurity among Christian organisations and spoiling the Christmas mood.

In a letter that is in circulation since the last 24 hours, the special branch has reportedly asked the police officers concerned to identify those playing a pivotal role in conversion activities and status of police cases, if any, lodged against such persons for forceful religious conversion or by means of inducement. Details on land allotted for construction of churches in various districts have also been sought.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was in Dibrugarh on Saturday, told the media that he got a copy of the letter on Friday. “We should not ask for how many churches are there in Assam. This might hurt the sentiments of a particular religious community,” he said.

He said he was not aware on what context the SP has issued the letter. “I have asked the DGP to inquire into the matter and take corrective measures,” he added.