After our previous update that several weeks without the filing of an FIR against the Church of Sign and Wonder in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, which has been accused of engaging in fraudulent conversions from Hinduism to Christianity, a promising update has emerged.

The Church has been under scrutiny since February 2022 due to its social media claims of miraculous healings, including the resurrection of a supposedly deceased baby in pregnancy. The Church faces accusations of fraud and deceit. Rohit Katwal, a law student from Himachal Pradesh, has taken a decisive step by filing a formal complaint against individuals claiming miraculous healings, the Palampur Church, and Pastor Ankur Narula of the Ankur Narula Ministries from Punjab.

Recent developments

As of November 10, 2023, efforts to address the situation have gained momentum in Palampur, as Hindus have collectively united against alleged Christian conversion activities. The local administration has issued a strongly worded letter instructing an end to noise pollution, motivation for conversion, and an investigation into the funding source for the Church.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, expressing concern over the suspicious conversion activities, has submitted a memorandum to authorities, urging them not to grant permission for events under the guise of Satsang. They allege that the Church of Sign and Wonder conducting such sessions at the Shahnai Marriage Place is directly responsible for the deterioration of the peaceful atmosphere in the region.

Noise pollution and coercion to convert

Apart from the ongoing accusations of Christian missionary activities leading to conversion, local residents have complained about noise pollution and suspicious coercion tactics employed by the Church. Some families and women claim that bouncers were used against those who opposed or were not allowed to use loudspeakers during church activities.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad is calling for immediate action, demanding that an FIR be filed against the management of the Church of Sign and Wonder and Shahnai Marriage Place. They also emphasised the need to investigate the funding sources for such large-scale activities thoroughly.

Statewide movement if action is not taken – VHP

Expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s response, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad warns of a statewide movement against alleged illegal conversion activities if swift action is not taken. They have submitted a memorandum detailing the incident site, calling for strict measures to prevent further communal disharmony in Devbhoomi.

Rohit Katwal, who initiated the formal complaint, remains resolute, declaring, “Until these activities cease in the entire Himachal, the fight will continue. This is the beginning, not the end.”