Assam: ATCCC condemns "defamatory" remarks by VHP leader

Udalguri: The Assam Tribal Christian Coordination Committee (ATCCC) has strongly condemned recent remarks by the Joint General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Surendra Jain, describing them as "defamatory comments".

In a press statement issued by ATCCC President Rev Solomon Rongpi and Secretary Rev Sushil Daimary, along with five other signatories, the organization denounced Jain's comments about churches in the Dima Hasao district and Christians in general.

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Jain had allegedly made these remarks during the October 27 inauguration of the Joya Thaosen Computer Learning Centre in Haflong, Dima Hasao district, where he reportedly claimed that churches are involved in drug trafficking and are corrupting the younger generation.

The ATCCC described Jain's comments as "unfounded and baseless," asserting that they were not a slip of the tongue but rather an intentional attempt to damage the church's reputation and create communal disharmony.

The statement further noted that such remarks constitute defamation against a collective under Section 354(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, or Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The organisation further demanded that Jain retract his remarks, calling on law enforcement authorities in Dima Hasao and the state government to take appropriate action against such statements.