Guwahati, Nov 1: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Surendra Kumar Jain has stirred a controversy by accusing churches of drug trafficking, igniting backlash from Christian communities across Assam.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Joya Thaosen Computer Learning Centre in Haflong’s Dima Hasao district on October 27, Jain, VHP’s international joint general secretary, asserted that churches were linked to drug trafficking, which he argued was contributing to the degradation of youth.

This has drawn a sharp response from the Christian community, who have condemned Jain’s remarks as defamatory and unfounded. The United Christian Forum of Dima Hasao (UCFDH) issued a strong statement, describing Jain’s comments as a misuse of freedom of speech and an assault on religious sentiments in the region.

UCFDH President DC Haja Daniel and Secretary Winssonal Massa expressed their profound disappointment, stating that the allegations against churches were hurtful and baseless. They highlighted the Church’s commitment to fostering a drug-free society, emphasizing its teachings on sobriety, self-control, and the importance of avoiding harmful substances. The Church, they asserted, neither supports nor engages in drug-related activities, actively educating members on the dangers of addiction.

The UCFDH labelled Jain’s statements as “derogatory and hateful,” calling upon residents of Dima Hasao to stand united against drug abuse, transcending religious divides to build a healthier community. They emphasized that the Church has always championed efforts to protect both individuals and society from the impact of narcotics.

Reacting to Jain’s statement, former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar said, “We have to scrutinize Jain’s statement. If it is true, law enforcement agencies should act swiftly, but if not, the statement is condemnable.”

Haflongbar emphasized that no place of worship, be it a temple, mosque, or church, would promote drug use, and urged restraint in public statements to avoid disrupting communal harmony. Acknowledging the rise in drug abuse across Dima Hasao, he pointed out that while many young people are affected, it would be inappropriate to single out churches as the cause.

He urged restraint, noting that “such statements should always be avoidable”. Haflongbar recalled a previous incident where a controversial statement by the RSS sparked widespread protests and led to the tragic loss of two lives.

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