American Citizens Detained in Assam for Violating Visa Rules and Engaging in Religious Activities

Tezpur, Assam 4 February, 24: On February 2, Assam Police detained two American citizens, John Matthew Bone and Michael James Flinchum, for violating their visa conditions by allegedly propagating Christianity. The duo, who were in India on tourist visas, faced accusations of engaging in religious preaching, a practice not permitted under tourist visa regulations.

The Sonitpur police took action following complaints from Tezpur residents and apprehended Bone and Flinchum at the Baptist Christian Hospital. A case was registered against them at the Kacharigaon police station under GDE 03/24, citing their involvement in religious events and delivering speeches organized by church associations as breaches of visa rules.

Susanta Biswa Sarma, Superintendent of Police in Sonitpur, confirmed the incident and revealed that each US national was fined $500 for their unauthorized religious activities, in addition to a fine of Rs 41,486 in Indian currency. Although no formal case was registered, the Ministry of External Affairs was informed, and the Americans were cautioned against further participation in religious functions.

"We apprehended them the day before yesterday. The two U.S. tourists were engaged in preaching, so we imposed a fine of $500 each, in accordance with Visa regulations," stated SP Susanta Biswa Sarma.

This incident mirrors a similar occurrence in October 2022 when seven German nationals and three Swedish nationals were detained in Assam for violating visa norms through missionary activities. Such incidents highlight ongoing concerns about foreign nationals entering Assam on tourist visas and subsequently participating in religious preaching, especially in tribal and tea garden areas, drawing objections from local Hindu organizations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously urged religious communities to avoid converting Hindus under the guise of providing education and health facilities. The appeal comes amid allegations that Christian missionaries from various countries visit northeastern states as tourists and engage in conversion activities, violating visa norms. The continuous vigilance and actions taken by authorities underscore the importance of adhering to visa regulations and respecting the sensitivities of local communities.