VHP Leader’s Accusations Against Churches Spark Outrage in Dima Hasao
Haflong, Dima Hasao District — Controversy erupted in Assam’s Dima Hasao district after Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international joint general secretary, Surendra Kumar Jain, alleged that churches are involved in drug trafficking. Jain made these remarks during the inauguration of the Joya Thaosen Computer Learning Centre in Haflong’s KK Hojai Chatrinivas Building, sparking immediate backlash from the Christian community and local leaders who deemed the accusations defamatory and harmful to communal harmony.
Jain’s comments were swiftly condemned by the United Christian Forum of Dima Hasao (UCFDH). President DC Haja Daniel and Secretary Winssonal Massa released a statement on Friday expressing their profound disappointment, calling Jain’s remarks a “serious misuse of freedom of speech” and “deeply hurtful to the Christian community.” The UCFDH emphasized that churches actively promote a drug-free society through biblical teachings and asserted that such baseless allegations undermine the integrity of their work in the community.
“The UCFDH considers such a baseless allegation against the churches as a blatant misuse of freedom of speech and expression,” stated Daniel and Massa, reiterating that the Church’s teachings explicitly discourage drug use and that it seeks to educate society about the dangers of intoxicants.
Prominent local leader and former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar offered a measured response, advising against attributing the region’s growing drug problem to churches or any religious institution. While acknowledging that drug abuse is a concern in Dima Hasao, Haflongbar cautioned against unfounded claims that might inflame communal tension. He urged restraint, noting that no place of worship—be it a temple, mosque, or church—would condone or engage in illegal activities like drug trafficking.
Haflongbar also reflected on the district’s history of communal harmony, referencing a past incident in which provocative statements from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) led to widespread protests and tragic outcomes. “No one should destroy the unity and integrity we’ve cultivated here,” he stressed, urging vigilance in preserving the peace.
The UCFDH and other community leaders also called on residents, irrespective of their faith, to unite against drug abuse and foster a strong, drug-free society. Their message emphasized the need for collaborative action to address drug issues in the region without attributing blame to any particular group, underscoring the commitment of various communities to tackle social issues without compromising mutual respect and unity.
