Bengaluru: Christian event ‘Pray for India’ by a foreign pastor cancelled over visa rule violations
- In Reports
- 10:56 PM, Dec 15, 2023
- Myind Staff
The author and renowned televangelist Alph Lukau also recognized as an apostle of faith from Johannesburg, South Africa, was slated to speak at the 'Pray for India-Conference 2023' in Bengaluru on December 16th and 17th, from 4 pm to 9 pm. However, the event was cancelled after an activist highlighted that Indian visa regulations prohibit foreign nationals holding any type of visa from preaching or propagating their religion in the country.
The post informing about the recent development stated, “We regret to announce, due to unexpected and unavoidable circumstances beyond all measure the Pray for India Conference 2023 to be held on 16th and 17th December at Palace Grounds Bengaluru stands cancelled.”
The organizers took an extraordinary step by petitioning the High Court to secure permission to host the gathering and allowing the foreign pastor to preach, despite the legal restrictions. However, Hindu activist Girish Bharadwaj countered this effort by submitting an "intervening application" to uphold and enforce the relevant statutes.
Girish Bharadwaj submitted a letter to the Commissioner of Immigration and Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Bengaluru. The letter stated that the upcoming event scheduled to take place at Palace Grounds, Gate No. 1, Krishna Vihar on December 16th and 17th was slated to include a presentation by Pastor Alph Lukau, a South African national.
The letter highlighted, “According to Indian Visa Norms, foreigners with any type of visa are not allowed to preach or propagate their religion in India and the rules do not permit the Indian Government to issue visas to evangelists who desire to come to India to attend religious campaign.”
The letter accused the pastor of deceiving the Indian Consulate to obtain an Indian visa, alleging that his intention to travel to India was solely for evangelical conversions. It further urged the authorities to take necessary precautions to prevent any violation of Indian visa norms.
The event was organised in association with Shalom and All India Christian Federation to “experience the power of faith” which was a subtle reference to belief in Christianity and Jesus Christ on the aforementioned dates.
Image source: Instagram
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