Thought you might find this interesting if you've not already read this
before.
Indians warned against carrying scriptures to Saudi
Indo-Asian News Service
Hyderabad, Aug 3 (IANS)
Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia have been warned not to carry religious
scriptures,photographs or idols.
An official statement issued here Wednesday said that religious activities
in private residences or undertaking missionary or preaching activities are
banned in Saudi Arabia and could invite stringent punishment.
C.R. Banswal, principal secretary (political) to the Andhra Pradesh
government, said the Indian ambassador in Riyadh had said that detention
cases of Indian nationals on allegations of involvement in religious
activities in that country were increasing.
The statement said the Saudi religious police recently arrested nine Indians
for preaching Christianity.
"He (the ambassador) has therefore expressed the view that it is urgent and
important that all Indian nationals be forewarned prior to their departure
from India against carrying any religious scripture, photographs or idols
with them to Saudi Arabia," said the statement.
The ambassador said the Indian nationals should also be strictly briefed
against organising group religious activities in private residences or
undertaking missionary or preaching activity.
"This would be a major preventive measure in promoting the welfare of the
Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia," the statement added.
Indo-Asian News Service