Hindu right-wing organizations in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district have intensified their campaign against Christian communities, with two tribal villages banning the entry of Christian pastors and priests, while protesters presented an 11-point memorandum demanding government action during a demonstration last Tuesday.
The Sanatan Samaj (Eternal Society) organized a day-long demonstration in Bhanupratappur that resulted in a complete shutdown of commercial establishments. The protest targeted Christian religious activities and demanded restrictions that would effectively deny Christians their constitutional rights to religious freedom and movement.
Two villages in the Bhanupratappur block, Kudal and Junwani, have passed gram sabha (village council) resolutions prohibiting the entry of Christian pastors, priests, and so-called “conversion agents.” Warning boards erected at village boundaries declare these areas off-limits to Christians, citing constitutional provisions under the Fifth Schedule and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996.
Rajendra Komra, a religious leader from Junwani village, alleged while speaking to the local media that “pastors and priests are coaxing our simple villagers to change their religion through persuasion.” The restrictions deny Christians basic freedom of movement and religious expression guaranteed under India’s Constitution.
The media also reported that 18 families in these villages had converted to Christianity in recent years, with five families subsequently returning to their ‘original faith’ under community pressure. Villagers alleged that conversions were being facilitated through offers of education, healthcare and economic assistance. However, no data or proof of the so-called conversions was shared.
Demands target Christian rights
During the Aug. 5 demonstration, speakers made sweeping and provocative accusations against the Christian community, as well as missionaries and their work. Municipal council president Nikhil Singh Rathore described religious conversion as a “sensitive matter” requiring unity from Hindu society. Other speakers alleged that foreign funding was being used to facilitate conversions through healthcare and educational services; however, here too, no data was offered.
Raja Pandey claimed that “700 types of conversions” were taking place and described it as a “foreign conspiracy.” Another speaker, Mohan Hardwani, alleged that efforts to “break Hindu society” had been ongoing since independence.
This story was originally published in christianpost.com. Read the full story here.