Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Life for Tribal Christians in India is increasingly difficult. The Indian Bishops’ bulletin SAR News denounces discrimination and violence against Christian Dalits in particular in two Indian states Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
In Orissa state, according to the Global Council of Indian Christians, GCIC (representing all the different Christian confessions), groups of Hindu fundamentalists repeatedly try to convert Christian tribals. GCIC says Tribals are intimidated and threatened with arms by radical groups such as Bajrang Dal, in open violation of the right to freedom of conscience and religion guaranteed by India’s Constitution to all citizens.
GCIC collected testimony from numerous Tribals who suffered violence, Christian families terrorised, forced to flee their homes and villages to escape people who want to impose on them the Hindu religion. The Council calls on the local and central governments to guarantee the rights of all citizens.
Moreover in the state of Chhattisgarh which borders on Orissa Catholic Dalits suffer from discrimination with regard to access to public services. The vicar general of the archdiocese of Raipur, Fr. Augustine, expressed serious concern for their condition of poverty, marginalisation and discrimination proposing to send a memorandum the Christian members of Parliament. Dalits are denied essential services such as medical care and schooling and other social benefits necessary for development. This leads many to gradually stop going to Church and to avoid revealing their faith in public.
Some agree to go through the ‘come home’ Ghar Vapasi ceremony propagated by Hindu fundamentalists to reconvert former Hindus who changed their religion. “If this is allowed to continue the Catholic faith could soon disappear from this part of the country”, say diocesan sources. Chhattisgarh state is governed by the nationalist Baratiya Janata Party, often indulgent towards verso Hindu extremists. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/1/2006 righe 27 parole 279)
