Extra security for Aligarh churches due to controversial Christmas day re-conversions

Amid the proposed mass conversion ceremony by leaders of an Aligarh-based outfit here on December 25, the Christian community has sought for additional security for their churches in the city.

"Following reports that the organisers of this ghar wapsi programme may shift their venue to different rural-based destinations in Aligarh and Hathras districts, we have stepped up intelligence operations in these areas," DIG of Aligarh Zone Amit Agarwal said.

"The members of the Christian community had sought additional security for their churches in different parts of the city on Christmas and we have assured them of full protection under law," he said.

Reverend Jonathan Lal of the MethodistChurch, meanwhile, said that the leaders of the ruling Samajwadi Party government have assured full support to the community.

"On Sunday, prominent local leaders of the ruling SP met us and gave an assurance regarding our safety and security. We are also satisfied by the security measures taken by the district authorities," he said.

"The decision to hold this so called re-conversion programme on Christmas day is an ominous move but, we are confident that with the goodwill of all sections of the people the festival of Christmas will be marked by peace," he added.

Taking note of the outfit's plan to convert a large number of people on December 25, the district authorities had last week issued a warning to those trying to disturb communal amity and asked citizens not to get provoked.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were clamped in the city on Sunday.

Image: A view of St Sebastian’s Church fire broke out in New Delhi recently. Many Christians have demanded security for Christmas in light of the recent attacks on the community.

Photograph: PTI Photo