Published on March 10, 2024, 2:43 am

Image source: Fox News

In recent developments, the issue of religious freedom has been thrust into the limelight in India due to threats from a Hindu fundamentalist group. The ominous intent to abolish Christian symbols from schools, as expressed by the president of the extremist group Kutumba Surakshya Parishad (also known as Family Safety Council), Satya Ranjan Borah, has left Christian leaders deeply concerned.

Borah’s public declaration on February 7th in Assam state, northeast India, accused Christian missionaries of transforming educational institutions into quarters for religious indoctrination. This unfounded assertion was followed by an insidious letter addressed to notable Christian figures in the region. It demanded the removal of all symbolic elements relating to Christianity present within school premises, citing that such items infringe on India’s secular values.

Unperturbed by these alarming developments, Reverend Chowaram Daimary and Catholic Archbishop John Moolachira have boldly taken a stance against these encroachments upon religious freedom. As leading figures in the Assam Christian Forum (ACF) – comprised of Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical churches in Assam – they have decried these threats as ill-boding for practicing their faith freely and fearlessly.

The ACF collectively responded during an emergency meeting held on February 14th. They announced their categorical rejection of demands asking for Hindu rituals in their establishments and sought intervention from state authorities against those attempting to sabotage societal harmony.

Detailing persistent intimidation attempts, Reverend Bernard Marak revealed that threatening letters were posted even at isolated church locations across Assam. Serving as Vice President of ACF and leader of the Assam Baptist Convention, he spoke about how these intimidations intend to instill fear among Christians while reiterating their determination against such tactics.

In reality, contrary to assertions made by Hindu fundamentalists regarding insidious conversion tactics applied by Christians in Assam, government reports highlight that merely 2.7% of Assam’s population, which totals 35 million, follow Christianity.

Christian institutions in Assam hold a significant place in the state’s history with their presence dating back two centuries. Out of approximately 500 schools and other institutions across the state currently, most are under the auspices of the Catholic Church, continuing to play a pivotal role in unveiling the Christian worldview. These events serve as real news insights into religious conflicts emerging out of Assam and provide a testament to the resolute spirit of its Christian community.

The scenario underscores the necessity for trusted news outlets to actively shine light on these pressing issues and further points towards an urgent need for global discussion on religious tolerance.