The Meghalaya unit of the Trinamul Congress on Monday came down heavily on the BJP-led government in neighbouring Assam over a letter sent by police to district-level officials seeking information on religious conversions and the number of churches.

Trinamul, which is trying to emerge as a key player in next year’s Assembly polls in Christian-majority Meghalaya, also claimed “similar monitoring activity” in the state.

The National People’s Party (NPP) leads a coalition government in Meghalaya with the BJP as a constituent. Meghalaya vice-presidents of Trinamul, George B. Lyngdoh and James Lyngdoh, demanded answers “as to why” the Assam government was seeking such details, adding it was an attempt to “humiliate people and derail the Christmas spirit”.

“We demand an answer as to why such an investigation has suddenly been ordered into the number of churches in Assam. This is another attempt to destroy the secular thread of the country. The action threatens the safety and security of Christians,” George said.

He added: “Such nefarious activities are being undertaken in Meghalaya as well. We have got to know from confirmed sources that the Intelligence Bureau is following up very closely on Christian activities here.”

Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, who belongs to the ruling NPP, dismissed Trinamul’s charge. “It is a political gimmick by this party (Trinamul). There is no such activity (monitoring) in Meghalaya.”