The Assam Christian Forum (ACF) has voiced serious concerns about what it describes as mounting attacks on Christians and their institutions across the northeastern Indian state of Assam, calling for immediate government intervention to protect their constitutional rights.
Following an emergency meeting in Guwahati on November 28, the ACF highlighted a pattern of incidents that they say have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the Christian community. ACF spokesperson Allen Brooks detailed several specific concerns, including demands to remove religious symbols from Christian institutions and what the forum characterises as unwarranted police investigations in multiple districts.
The investigations, which have been conducted in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Goalpara, and other areas, have reportedly contributed to growing anxiety among community members. The situation has been particularly tense since the implementation of the Assam Magical Healing (Prevention and Evil Practices) Act 2024, which the ACF claims is being misused to target Christian individuals and clergy.
The new legislation, passed by the BJP-led government in the Assam Assembly in February, carries penalties of up to three years imprisonment and fines of Rs 50,000 for those found guilty of practicing “unscientific” healing methods. The ACF reports that church personnel and believers have been charged under this law for activities such as praying for the sick or providing educational assistance to marginalised groups.
A recent incident in Golaghat district has brought these concerns into sharp focus, where a Christian villager, Pranjal Bhuyan, was arrested and placed in judicial custody for allegedly attempting to convert Hindu villagers through “magical healing practices” - a charge the ACF has rejected.
“What deeply troubles us is the systematic nature of these incidents. One day it’s demands to remove religious symbols, the next day it's arrests for offering prayers for the sick. The Magical Healing Act, while well-intentioned, is being weaponised to criminalise basic Christian practices that have been part of our faith for centuries. We serve nearly 50,000 students in our educational institutions and run numerous healthcare facilities across Assam, yet our community members now think twice before conducting even routine prayer services. This isn’t about politics – it’s about our fundamental right to practice our faith without fear,” Brooks told Christian Today.
The forum has also expressed dismay over allegations made by a senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) functionary in Haflong, who accused the Church of involvement in drug trafficking within tribal-dominated areas. The ACF condemned these accusations as “false and malicious,” noting that no action has been taken against the VHP leader despite what they view as inflammatory statements that have “hurt the sentiments of the entire Christian community.”
Brooks emphasised the significant contributions made by Assam’s Christian community to various sectors, including education, healthcare, media, literature, and social services. Despite these contributions to nation-building, the ACF maintains that Christians are being targeted solely based on their religious beliefs.
The forum has called for constructive dialogue with the state government to address these issues and ensure equal treatment and protection for all religious communities. They have urged authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for attacks and false accusations, while also requesting measures to prevent the misuse of laws that they say are leading to unjust harassment of Christian institutions and individuals.
The ACF’s appeal emphasises the need to create an environment where all communities can coexist peacefully, with their appeal focusing on upholding constitutional principles of religious freedom and secularism. They have requested the government to engage with community representatives to address these concerns and work towards fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society in Assam.
