Catholic church burnt down in Assam’s Udalguri, police yet to confirm cause

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 17, 2025

A Catholic church in Assam’s Udalguri district was burnt down on January 12, raising concerns amid ongoing right-wing campaigns against Christian missionaries.

However, police have yet to determine whether the incident was an act of arson or an accident.

The United Christian Forum (UCF) confirmed that the church, located in Chokragaon, Amvagaon, was completely destroyed. The church, serving around 160 Catholic families—mostly from indigenous tribal communities, had been a centre of faith for over five decades.

“Hindus and Christians in the village have always lived in peace. We never had any disturbances or hatred between communities,” said a UCF leader, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the police investigation before drawing conclusions.

The fire occurred just three days after the parish celebrated its first Mass for two newly ordained diocesan priests from indigenous families. Some Christian leaders suspect that the timing may not be coincidental.

“This could be a deliberate attempt to disturb communal harmony, especially after two indigenous men were ordained as priests,” a UCF leader stated.

Christian leaders have raised concerns over right-wing Hindu groups that accuse Christian missionaries of using fraudulent methods to convert tribal and marginalized communities. These groups allege that Christian-run schools and hospitals serve as fronts for religious conversions.

In recent years, demands have been made to remove crucifixes and statues of Jesus and Mary from Christian institutions, with some right-wing activists insisting that priests and nuns abandon religious attire in church-run schools.

The BJP-led Assam government has enacted the Assam Magical Healing (Prevention of Evil Practices) Act, aimed at curbing superstitious rituals. While not officially an anti-conversion law, critics believe it indirectly targets Christian missionaries.

Christians make up 3.74% of Assam’s 31 million people, slightly above the national average of 2.3%.

Police and church officials continue to investigate the incident, as Christian groups call for a fair and transparent probe to determine the cause of the fire and ensure communal harmony remains intact.