Assam CM disassociates from letter on ‘religious conversion’

The special branch headquarters of Assam police has sought details of churches established in the last one year in the state and instances of conversions. However, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma however distanced himself from the letter.

The letter to the superintendent of police in the district stated besides the key persons associated with the churches, the special branch has asked the concerned police officers to identify the persons 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.

Christian organizations said they felt insecure at the alleged move by police.


The letter sought the instances and pattern of religious. The information on conversion has been sought for the last six years. While the letter sought information on prime factors responsible for religious conversion, it urged the concerned police officers to suggest counter measures and mechanisms to address the issue with long-term solutions or perspectives. The letter also sought information on community, area and other patterns associated with the religious conversion.

Sarma said, “We should not ask for how many churches are there in Assam. This might hurt the sentiments of a particular religious community."

Sarma said he was not aware of what context the SP has issued the letter. “I have asked the DGP to enquire into the matter and take corrective measures,” he said.

The Assam Christian Forum stated they were feeling insecure at the alleged espionage.