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Meghalaya’s opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) on December 26 “demanded answers” from the BJP-led government in Assam on why it has ordered an inquiry into alleged religious conversions and number of new churches established in Assam.

Addressing a press conference, opposition chief whip in Meghalaya assembly George B Lyngdoh and state TMC vice president James Lyngdoh said why the Assam government sought such details while stating that it has “humiliated people and derailed the Christmas spirit.”

The Trinamool Congress was referring to a letter from the special branch of Assam Police seeking details on the number of churches established within the past year, the number of existing churches, instances of religious conversion in the past six years, and the people involved in conversion activities.

“We demand an answer as to why such an investigation has suddenly been ordered into the number of churches in Assam. This is another attempt to destroy the secular thread of the country. The action threatens the safety and security of Christians,” George told reporters.

He said such monitoring activities of the churches were being done in Meghalaya as well.

“Such nefarious activities are being undertaken in Meghalaya as well. We have learnt from confirmed sources that the Intelligence Bureau is following up very closely on Christian activities here,” George said.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already clarified that he was “kept in the dark” about the police order; however, the Trinamool Congress leaders said the Sarma’s statement was to fool the people.

Lyngdoh added that Assam records the highest instances of offences relating to religion in the Northeast.

Meanwhile, Lyngdoh slammed the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for not taking action in the Mukroh firing incident in which five Pnar civilians died.

“FIRs should have been filed in Meghalaya and warrants should have been issued against the culprits. However, a special investigation team was constituted. It should have been addressed as per the provisions of IPC and CrPC,” George said.

The TMC leader said the visit of state government officials and commissioners to Delhi would not yield desired results.

“As opposition, we had already raised that there will be no output from the visit of the state government officials and commissioners to Delhi as the agenda (in Delhi) is pre-decided, which is to destroy the secular fabric of our country and ensure atrocities on minorities,” George said.

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