Guwahati: Assam Police detained two US citizens, John Matthew Boone (64) and Michael James Flunchum (77), in Tezpur for breaching tourist visa regulations by attending a Christian conversion event. The police have notified the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata, and the US nationals may face Leave-India notices. Following the violation, each individual was fined $500 and subsequently released. They had participated in the inauguration of a Baptist Christian association office on January 31, and the police asserted that their involvement in religious activities on tourist visas contravened visa regulations.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Madhurima Das, revealed that the police discovered the US citizens' presence during the inauguration of the North Bank Baptist Christian Association office at the Baptist Mission Complex in Tezpur. As per tourist visa norms, foreigners are prohibited from engaging in religious preaching or conversion programs while in India. The ASP emphasized that the incomplete nature of the building suggested the visitors were likely involved in conversion activities. Authorities have been vigilant about monitoring foreigners involved in conversion activities in Assam, as highlighted by the Assam government's instructions to police forces in October 2022. This incident follows earlier detentions and deportations of foreigners participating in religious events and conversion activities in the region.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently voiced concerns about protecting indigenous faiths from conversion activities. He emphasized the impact of missionary activities on indigenous communities and the decline in the population practicing indigenous faiths. The arrest of US citizens in connection with a Christian conversion ceremony underscores the ongoing efforts to enforce visa regulations and monitor activities that may potentially lead to religious conversions in the region.

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