Shillong, May 16: Social activist Cherian Momin condemned the Assam police’s unwarranted and unconstitutional actions against Christian organisations in the state. The reported surveillance and data collection on Christian institutions, purportedly conducted under the directives of the police headquarters, is a blatant violation of the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, Momin said in a statement.
The right to freedom of religion, enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution, grants every individual the freedom to profess, practise, and propagate their religion of choice. However, the actions of the Assam Police, as described, infringe upon this fundamental right by subjecting Christian organisations to unjustified scrutiny and intimidation.
Furthermore, Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, protecting individuals from arbitrary intrusion by the state. The reported incidents of police personnel barging into churches, taking photographs, and asking intrusive questions without prior intimation to church authorities, not only violate the privacy of believers but also sow seeds of fear and distrust within the community, he said.
The United Christian Forum (UCF) has rightfully raised its voice against these egregious actions, labeling them as “spying” and expressing concerns over the panic it has caused among believers. The memorandum submitted by the UCF to the district commissioner urgently calls for the cessation of this unlawful exercise in the interest of public peace.
The Assam police’s justification for their actions based on complaints submitted by the UCF to the chief minister of Assam is deeply concerning. While addressing grievances is important, it must be done within the framework of the law and with respect for constitutional rights.
“As a social activist committed to upholding the principles of justice and equality, I strongly condemn the actions of the Assam Police and call for an immediate halt to their unlawful surveillance of Christian organisations. The authorities must adhere to the principles of secularism, religious freedom, and privacy enshrined in the Indian constitution, he added.
