Religious Conversion: Assam Police keeping strict vigil

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the Assam Police to keep a close watch on Proselytization or Religious Conversion activites by foreigners in the state.

Assam Special DGP GP Singh in reference to the detention of 7 German nationals, said that the police has accessed crucial leads which establish the fact that they were indulged in religious conversion activities. GP Singh informed that the police have gathered evidences as to which churches the Germans had visited, preachings in religious gatherings besides other details of their activities. The Assam Police DGP said that it was a clear cut violation of the Tourist Visa norms by the Germans.

GP Singh informed that all necessary arrangements have been made for the deportation of the German nationals after they were fined with 500 US dollars each. Singh further stated that it is unlawful for somebody to engage in proselytization or religious conversion activites, even if the individual has entered India on a Missionary Visa.

The Assam Police is closely monitoring the situation in this regard, GP Singh informed. Besides, the Assam Special DGP maintained the police is committed to ensure that no proselytization activities occur for which SPs of all the districts have been issued necessary directives.

Since last month, a total of 27 foreigners have been booked for Proselytization activities, which include 17 Bangladeshis, 3 Swedish and 7 Germans.