According to reports, police have closed prayer meetings in five areas of the state claiming foreigners were leading prayer meetings and were disturbing communal harmony.
Police say foreign Christians are entering India on tourist visas to preach and evangelize. Officials say visitors should restrict themselves to the purpose of their visa.
One area police commission says, "Whenever a foreigner visits this country he has to mention the purpose of visit. If they mention that they are coming on tourism they should restrict themselves to tourism." "On a tourist visa they can participate in prayer meetings but should not preach. If they want to come for the purpose of preaching, they can mention the purpose while taking the visa. It is for the officials to decide on the visa."
Christian organizations are criticizing the move they claim is a violation of the Constitution. "It prevents the Indian Christian community from inviting their friends to their social and religious meetings," say one Christian. "Even attending meetings is now being viewed as a violation (of visa rules),” he claims.
While no new guidelines have been issued by the police department, there are indications that the police department may take action if there are complaints or unrest caused by the foreign preachers or prayer leaders.
