Christian organisations in Assam have launched a vigorous defence against what they term “unfounded, baseless and unacceptable” allegations by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Surendra Jain regarding church involvement in drug trafficking.
Three Christian groups - the United Christian Forum of Dima Hasao, the United Christian Forum of Karbi Anglong, and the Assam Christian Forum - have submitted a joint representation to the Dima Hasao district administration seeking legal action against Jain. His contentious remarks came during what was meant to be a solemn occasion - the inauguration of the Joya Thaosen Computer Learning Centre in Haflong on 27 October 2024.
In their representation to the deputy commissioner, the organisations pointed out that Jain chose to use an “auspicious occasion” meant for honouring the memory of Joya Thaosen, a revered freedom fighter “respected” by all communities, as a platform for his pronouncements against the Christian community.
The Assam Tribal Christian Coordination Committee (ATCCC) has noted that such remarks constitute defamation against a collective under Section 354(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, or Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
During his speech, Jain ventured beyond the drug allegations, touching upon themes of religious conversion and cultural preservation. “Conversion is a challenge, we do answer it but we will also tell the church. You keep going to the church, the Christians here should follow their faith, we have no objection. But if you disturb the law and order here, hurt the beliefs here, do drug trade, this will not be accepted and the society takes it as a challenge,” he declared.
Rev DC Haia Darnei, president of the United Christian Forum of Dima Hasao, offered insight into potential underlying motives: “We don't know why they (VHP) are blaming the Church for the drug menace. The only reason I could fathom is that they want to divide the people along the line of faith.”
Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati observed a pattern in such rhetoric, noting that “there is anger against him among Christians all over Northeast. Christian baiting seems to make them more popular within their class.”
The Christian organisations emphasised their community's extensive contributions to the region in education, healthcare, social welfare, literature, media, research, relief, and sustainable development. The United Christian Forum of Dima Hasao highlighted the church's consistent efforts towards “a drug-free society through the teachings of the Bible on sobriety, self-control and the detrimental effect of harming our bodies through the abuse of intoxicating substances.”
Responding to the situation, Allen Brooks, spokesperson for the Assam Christian Forum, reinforced constitutional values told Christian Today, “Embracing secularism as a guiding principle, we can foster a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect, ensuring its vibrant spirit is alive in our daily lives and cherished within the fabric of our Constitution.”
These allegations surface amid ongoing collaborative efforts between state governments and central agencies to address drug-related issues in several northeastern states. During his speech, Jain also offered his analysis of social dynamics, suggesting that female advancement and male underachievement were “becoming a big reason for drug addiction.”
The United Christian Forum of Dima Hasao has convened a meeting of church leaders from the district and neighbouring states to formulate what they term a “suitable response” to these allegations.
According to official figures, Assam’s population includes 60 per cent Hindus, 34 per cent Muslims, and 4 per cent Christians. The Christian population predominantly consists of members from Scheduled Tribe and Castes communities.
