Foreigners on tourist visas should not preach, warn Andhra police

Foreigners on tourist visas should not "preach or evangelize," and they should restrict themselves to the purpose of their visa, police in Andhra Pradesh have warned.

In Andhra Pradesh, the police are facing a problem with foreigners on tourist visas leading prayer meetings, and Hindu right–wing groups clashing with them.

Reports of such incidents have come in from Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Antarvedipalem of East Godavari and Vishakapatnam over the last month, forcing the police to close some prayer meetings on grounds that they were disturbing communal harmony.

At Visakhapatnam, where such incidents were reported, Commissioner of Police V.S.K. Kaumudi said, "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." Kaumidi said. "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 have criticized the move which they said was a violation of the Constitution. "It prevents the Indian Christian community from inviting their friends to their social and religious meetings," said an activist. "Even attending meetings is now being viewed as a violation (of visa rules)," he said.

Director General of Police M.A. Basith, however, attempted to clarify, saying, "There are no new guidelines issued by the police department. If there are some objections and trouble, the police will see to it that no law and order problem arises."