ICC Note:
Following reports of large numbers of tribals in Jharkhand, India converting to Christianity, Hindu nationalists from the VHP have demanded a anti-conversion law be added to the state’s laws. The Hindu nationalists also demanded a probe into the conversions targeting the funding of the missionaries working in Jharkhand. Hindu nationalists have already announced their intention to propose a nationwide ban on conversions, unless those conversions are from another religion to Hinduism. Christians and other religious minorities fear the proposal of this law because they expect their communities will be marginalized and victimized under them.
10/14/2015 India (Times of India) – After a large number of tribals reportedly converted to Christianity in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has sought an anti-conversion law in the state.
“Anti-conversion law should be formulated in Jharkhand. Christian missionaries are silently working on their agenda, converting tribals,” VHP leader Pramod Mishra told IANS.
“In the last 15 days, over 300 people belonging to Asur, one of the nine primitive tribes, have been converted to Christianity,” he added.
According to sources in the Gumla district administration, around 100 people from Ghaghra and Visunpur blocks embraced Christianity. The local media has said the figure may be more.
The administration has ordered a probe into the reported conversion.
Stating that Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh had anti-conversion laws, the VHP demanded one from the Jharkhand government too. It also sought details about the funding of the missionaries.
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