By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 16: Social activist Cherian Momin has condemned the Assam Police’s alleged surveillance and data collection of Christian institutions, and demanded an immediate halt to it.
In a statement, Momin stated that the reported surveillance and data collection on Christian institutions, purportedly conducted under the directives of the police headquarters, are blatant violations of the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
According to Momin, the right to freedom of religion, enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution, grants every individual the freedom to profess, practice, 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 added.
Reminding that the United Christian Forum (UCF) has rightfully raised its voice against such actions, labeling them as “spying” and expressing concerns over the panic it has caused among believers, Momin stated, “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 CM 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,” Momin added.
Momin further stated, “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.”