The bill recently passed by the Assam assembly wants to eradicate non-scientific healing practices with ulterior motives. As per the Bill, no person shall take any part in healing practices and magical healing propagation for treatment of any diseases, any disorder or any condition relating to the health of a person (relating to human body) directly or indirectly giving a false impression of treatment to cure diseases, pain or trouble to the human health.
Nagaland’s deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang expressed his concerns over the bill. Zeliang emphasized the significance of the discussion on the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024. Emphasizing Nagaland’s Christian majority, Zeliang asserted the duty to defend faith and beliefs, citing constitutional provisions safeguarding freedom of religion (Article 25-28). He criticized the Assam Bill, alleging it undermines secularism and targets Christian practices.
Zeliang argued that Assam’s diversity mirrors India’s secular fabric, emphasizing coexistence among religions in the Northeast. He criticized the Bill’s restriction on healing practices by Christian missionaries, asserting healing as integral to Christian faith, protected under constitutional rights.
He condemned religious intolerance incidents in Assam, including detentions of American citizens for alleged Christian preaching and demands to remove Christian symbols from schools.
Zeliang urged Assam to revoke the Bill, calling it a threat to India’s secular principle. Highlighting constitutional guarantees of religious autonomy, Zeliang urged Assam to respect minority rights and repeal the contentious Bill. He proposed conveying the Assembly’s opposition to Assam’s Legislative Assembly. Minister, Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along said that it is within the Nagaland legislature’s rights to appeal to the Government of Assam and assert their faith-based practices. He further raised concerns regarding whether this legislation targets a specific minority. Along urged his fellow lawmakers to critically examine the intentions behind the bill and inquire if it unjustly discriminates against any particular religious group. Emphasizing that the misuse of faith has occurred across religious communities, he reminded the House of the importance of maintaining a fair and inclusive approach. Furthermore, the Minister made a plea to his fellow legislators, urging them not to rush into condemning the bill. Instead, he called for a diplomatic approach, suggesting that they present their concerns and opinions to the Assam Government.
Along also took the opportunity to extend his appeal to Christian brothers and sisters residing in Assam, encouraging them to seek guidance from the state’s Chief Minister. Underscoring the need for peace, the Minister emphasized that it is a matter of utmost significance not only for Nagaland but also for the entire nation.
The Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) practices Bill 2024 negates secular ideals enshrined in the preamble of the Indian constitution, said MLA Dr. Sukhato Sema.
Secularism, he added, in India, not only implies the existence of diverse religious communities but also separation of religion from state power, therefore if the state infringes on religious freedom of citizens through controversial laws then the fate of secularism is at stake.
This controversial legislation not only jeopardizes religious freedoms but also undermines the concept of unity in diversity that India proudly showcases on the global stage.
Secularism in India, Sema said that it goes beyond mere coexistence of various religious communities; it entails the separation of religion from state power. Consequently, any attempt by the government to impinge on religious liberties through such contentious laws puts the essence of secularism at risk. The call to action now lies with the esteemed legislature to revisit and reconsider the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill 2024, specifically addressing the concerns raised regarding the Christian communities in Assam and Manipur.
Sema appealed to the August House to project a strong united voice in support of revision and reconsideration of this bill, ensuring the preservation of India’s secular fabric.
Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo called the terms used in the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill 2024 incorrect and misleading. He stated that the bill is a direct violation and infringement of the Constitution of India and is against the fundamental principles of secularism. He said that such a divisive policy in the name of religion, caste etc. is against the visions and ideas of the freedom fighters.
Khamo also said that instead of bringing out such a bill, the Assam government should appreciate the contributions of the Christians. He called upon the members of the August House to stand together, promote, and inculcate religious tolerance, social harmony and peaceful coexistence. He appealed to the members to reject the bill and take necessary steps to ensure free and fair practices and belief of all religious groups.
