Assam: Ban on magical healing violates constitutional rights of Christians, says ACF

GUWAHATI: Assam Christian Forum (ACF), an umbrella body of all Christians Churches in Assam, opposed the move of the Assam cabinet to ban magical healings in the state, saying that it will violate the constitutional rights of the Christians.

On February 12, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government will bring legislation prohibiting the practice of magical healing in the name of treatment by faith healers to convert tribal people.

“We are not targeting any particular religion. This practice of healing is present among Hindus, evangelists and Badruddin Ajmal himself practices it. With this law, all these will be banned,” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

“Healing is a very, very dicey subject, which is used to convert tribal people. We are going to pilot this bill because we believe the religious status quo is very important,” the Assam chief minister had said.

The cabinet gave its nod to the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024 to eliminate magical healing for congenital diseases.

In a joint statement here on Thursday (February 15), ACF president Archbishop John M, general secretary Rev Chowaram Daimari and spokesperson Alen Brooks said: “We find this statement both misguided and needless. Let us delve into the assumptions and implications posed by this development.”

“The Assam cabinet’s assertion that Christians engage in magical healing is misguided and misleading. Our numerous dispensaries and hospitals operate within the recognized medical frameworks, providing essential services to the sick,” the statement said.

Also read: Exploring Sufi heritage of Assam: Zikir, Zari & legacy of Rekibuddin Ahmed

“Healing, in our context, is not synonymous with proselytization. It is a compassionate response to human suffering, irrespective of religious affiliations,” it added.

Speaking on the role of prayer and faith, the statement said prayer is a universal practice across religions, used to invoke divine healing. Labelling it as magical healing oversimplifies the profound spiritual dimensions of faith and life,” they said.

They said Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to practice one’s chosen religion. Accusation against Christians undermines this constitutional protection.

“The chief minister’s statement implicated Christians specifically, but it affects practitioners of all faiths. We must recognize that invoking divine blessings is intrinsic to religious worship, whether in temples, mosques, or churches,” they also said.

“Healing, whether through prayer or medical intervention, transcends religious boundaries. As Christians, we remain committed to compassionate service, guided by our faith and love for humanity,” the Christian leaders said.

“We should celebrate the rich tapestry of religious practices that contribute to our nation’s cultural heritage,” they further said.

Referring to the Kutumba Surakshya Parishad president Satya Ranjan Borah’s call for the removal of the idols of Jesus and Mary from Christian Missionary schools, the ACF leaders said: “We are also disturbed by the threats to educational institutions and demands for the removal of Christian symbols by some fringe elements. Some of them demand that Hindu worship be performed in our schools.”

“We reject these demands and request the state authorities to take action against these elements who are a threat to our civilised society and are against the rights given to us by the Constitution of India,” they said.

“In conclusion, let us engage in dialogue that promotes understanding and dispels misconceptions. We emphasize the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of India and the need for respectful dialogue. We underscore the importance of upholding constitutional rights while fostering an inclusive society,” they added.