Conversions
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Conversions Kandhamal - Only a religious conflict? December, 2008
Background
Of the 6.48 lakh people in the district, 3.36 lakh (52 per cent) belong to scheduled tribes (STs), while another 1.05 lakh (17 per cent) are scheduled castes (SCs).
Of the 1 lakh Christians, 60 per cent are converts from SCs, locally known as 'Pana Christians'.
Under the rules, STs who convert to Christianity continue to enjoy
reservations, but not SCs who convert.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is opposed to reservations for Pana Christians as it would eat into the benefits meant for Kandhs, the Hindu tribals
Background
Most persons belonging to the Panas (Scheduled Caste category) got converted to Christianity and most of them concealed their conversion status for the fear of getting deprived of the SC facilities.
For, any SC person, in the event of adopting Christianity, could not claim the benefits of Scheduled Caste in getting employment, social security and other privileges and facilities.
But if they got the Scheduled Tribe status, the conversion doesn't prove hindrance to them. It is exactly for this reason that the Christian missionaries were pursuing the matter of an accordance of ST status. The 2001 census brought into light the increase in the number of conversions.
Demand for ST status by Christian Pana SCs
The Panas have been demanding inclusion of their caste in the Scheduled Tribe category as they too speak the same Kui language that the ST Kondhs speak. The Kandhs (STs) are against this demand This argument of the Panas was rejected by the state government as well as by the courts as many General Category people also speak the Kui language.
Other Causes of conflicts
"Lands of many tribals are in the possession of Panas people through mortgage or encroachment. Or for that matter even have an adverse possession," a VHP member alleges. Kandhs claim that Pana Christians have fake ST certificates In Barakhama, a dispute of 22 Bigha exists on which Christians have allegedly established their church and residential accommodation As per the provisions of the Regulation 2 of 1956, any land belonging to ST person, cannot be transferred/alienated/recorded in ROR to a person of any caste including SC. Section 3(2) of the above Regulation makes the provision for rejectment of any person other than ST, from the land of ST.
Earlier clashes
Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a Hindu seer working for the socio-economic development of the local people for over four decades -- he set out for Brahmanigoan on December 24. His car was attacked by a violent Christian mob in which the seer himself and two of his followers sustained serious injuries
It was this attack that led to further clashes in the district, as he was highly respected and has innumerable supporters in the district. Four days of clashes resulted in both sides suffering in various ways -- many houses were burnt, properties destroyed and physical attacks taking place
Many believe Maoists collaborated with some locals to avenge the burning of 11 churches in December
The trouble in Kandhamal started on December 23 when some Christians at Brahmanigoan village wanted to erect a Christmas gate in front of a Hindu place of worship. This was resented by the local Hindus who questioned the motive of the Christians in insisting on building a second gate near a Hindu place of worship while one gate was already erected at a place where it is done every year on the eve of Christmas. This led to the initial clashes. Since Christians were more in number in the said village the Hindus were at the receiving end
Swami Laxmananda Saraswati
It was amidst this brewing resentment and the alleged "conversion overdrive" Swami Laxmanananda arrived in Kandhamal in 1966 and set up an ashram at Chakapada. "He started imparting training to the tribals on the issue of watershed management and stressed the need of education. The Kandhas slowly moved on to developmental path. Both the VHP and the Bajrang Dal despite its symbolic presence, supported Saraswati's movement with the main motive of countering an increasing Christian base," observers point out.
Swami's Parabartan - great return to the Hindu fold - aimed at checking the rampant conversions was also a cause of conflict
The killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others by 25-30 armed persons was the trigger that unleashed the violence in Kandhmal. A Maoist leader has admitted to killing the religious leader Though the Maoists claimed to have killed Laxamananda, its leader Sabyasachi Panda's claim that most Maoist cadres in Orissa are Christians only points to a deeper missionary-Maoist nexus.
Christian Maoist Links By maintaining that tribals were not Hindus, the banned ultra outfit has only tried to renew an age-old controversy even as it has sought to distance itself from the ongoing anti-Christian violence.
"The statements about tribals not being Hindus, that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should step down and that the political parties were not raising their voices against communal violence have a strong political overtone, very contrary to the ruthless tenor normally associated with Maoists," said a senior IPS officer.
Among those arrested in connection with the burning down of villages inhabited by Hindus (Brahmanigaon, Jhinjiriguda, Katingia, and Godapur) were 47 Maoists. Some 20 guns have been recovered by the security forces from them.
Statements of Police
For the first time, the State police on Thursday admitted that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples were victims of a wellcoordinated conspiracy.
Swamiji and four of his disciples were killed on August 23 on Janmashtami day, considered as one of the most auspicious days for Hindus. When inmates of the hostel at Chakapad in Kandhamal were celebrating the puja in the evening, around 30 to 40 people armed with sophisticated weapons barged into the ashram and killed Swamiji.
Illegal Conversions?
It is noteworthy that in a state like Orissa which enacted anti-conversion laws as back as in 1967, the Christian population in Kandhamal district alone has grown from 6 per cent in 1970 to 27 per cent in 2001.
Why would anyone convert unless asked to? Could money, deceit and other allurements be the cause? The law does not prohibit propagation but bans conversions on the basis of above factors The often cited ‘Dalit’ reason is not valid here, because there are two independent communities. The Panas were not subservient to the Kandhs. Though over a period of time the Panas seem to be gaining an upper hand.
What is said on Conversions
After the tsunami, the US National Council of Churches issued a statement warning against the practice by "New Missionaries" of mixing evangelism and aid. "Often lacking sophistication about the lure of gifts and money, and wanting to be generous with their resources, they easily fall prey to the charge of using unethical means to evangelize. This creates a backlash," the February statement read.
"You get this guy out of Texas who has no idea of the local culture, he is out to win souls, and he comes with a lot of money," says Bob Alter, former Presbyterian pastor born and raised in the Indian mountain town of Mussoorie, and former superintendent of a missionary institution, the Woodstock School.
What is said on Conversions
It even quoted one Bishop Chacko, head of the Roman Catholic diocese in Meghnagar in Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh who said, 'Even the older Protestant churches are unhappy with the evangelicals. It is said that they are irresponsible. Consequences don't matter to them. They put the fire and then they leave it to burn.‘
Objection is to evangelical activities of 'aggressive conversion campaign'.
If we argue that conversion is a right, then re-conversion too is a right. In this melee of conversions and re-conversions violence and strife will become the order of the day.
Let every religion enjoy complete religious freedom to preach, practice and propagate.
But as our apex court categorically stated, 'Propagate' does not and should not include 'Conversion'. Let us put an end to the institutionalized activity of conversions by church agents and instead allow citizens freedom of personal choice without fear or favour.
What is said on Conversions
The problem with these newer churches, Mr. Alter says, is the tone of their message. "You have Baptists using the Diwali festival [the Hindu festival of lights], but they come to 'spread the light to those in darkness.' That is mighty offensive stuff, when you're out to tear down another religion."
Other side
The rift widened further after the change in the reservation status of Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency and its three Assembly constituencies by the Delimitation Commission. Illegal encroachment of land by a section of Panas which originally belonged to the Kandhas further added to the problem. As per the Land Regulations Act of the State, no non-ST can buy or take possession of land from a tribal owner.
If the reports of the Kandhamal district administration are taken into account, the Hindu community is becoming a minority in the district as the Christian population has increased by 66 per cent in comparison to an 18.6 per cent increase in the totals' population over the last few years.
As per the 2001 census, there were 1,17,950 Christians. However, the most astounding fact is that out of the total 42,353 converted Christians during the period of 1989-2001, only two persons had applied for conversion respecting the Orissa Freedom of Religion Rules, 1989.
It seems that the Kandhas, one of the historic communities since the time immemorial has been losing their identity owing to such illegal conversions. Unfortunately, no action has been taken against the illegal religious conversions though The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967 has been violated through these years since its enforcement prior to the Orissa Freedom of Religious Rules, 1989.
How conversions were done by the New Life Church
Upon introduction they were paid Rs 2,500 per person and then taken to the Velankanni shrine, in Tamil Nadu, where they would get another Rs. 3,000.
When they finally converted to Christianity by changing the name, they got an incentive of Rs 10,000 onwards.
Newlife would then give them instructions to abandon wearing tilak on forehead, not to visit and offer prayers at the Hindu temples, replacing the photos and idols of Hindu gods and goddesses with a Cross, etc.
But what really angered local Hindus was when Newlife went one step further and published a book in Kannada — Satya Darshini — which was widely distributed by its missionaries. Here below is the translation of some of the most abusive passages: “Urvashi — the daughter of Lord Vishnu — is a prostitute.
Swabhimaan asks forgiveness from our Gods for reproducing these lines, but people need to be told the facts
Sacriligeous Literature in Karnataka
Vashistha is the son of this prostitute.
He in turn married his own Mother. Such a degraded person is the Guru of the Hindu God Rama. (page 48).
When Krishna himself is wallowing in darkness of hell, how can he enlighten others? Since Krishna himself is a shady character, there is a need for us to liberate his misled followers (page 50). It was Brahma himself who kidnapped Sita.
“Since Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were themselves victims of lust, it is a sin to consider them as Gods. (page 39).
When the Trinity of Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) are consumed by lust and anger, how can they liberate others? The projection of them as Gods is nothing but a joke. (page 39). God, please liberate the sinful people of India who are worshipping False Gods. (Page 39).” When blasphemy and much worse is brought against the most sacred Hindu Gods, Hindus are supposed to take it meekly as sheep and let themselves be converted to a foreign religion! There are more than 4,000 foreign Christian missionaries involved in conversion activities across different states. Swabhimaan asks forgiveness from our Gods for reproducing these lines, but people need to be told the facts
Response of the New Life Church
But so far the New Life Church hasn’t provided convincing answers to reports that its religious literature is targeting the majority community and is getting foreign funds. scathingly denigrating Hindu gods and goddesses in the foulest of language
Other similar churches :
Classical Secular Indian Media
Neither the Indian press nor the western correspondents bothered to write about what made Hindus angry in Karnataka: Newlife, one important westernfunded missionary centre ( http://www.newlifevoice.org), began making conversions in and around Mangalore by accosting poor people in market areas, or in bus stands, befriending them and then taking them to churches to introduce them to the father.
Our stand
Those who choose to convert in return for material benefits or are deceived cannot be really blamed. They convert because of poverty and gullibility. It is those who engage in emotional and religious exploitation of others – particularly the Evangelists like the New Life Church who are the culprits Emotional and religious exploitation by other churches cannot be ruled out The Kandhs had been at the receiving end – their jobs, education and even land was in danger The Pana Christians were using illegal /covert means to derive maximum material benefits at the expense of the Kandhs
Asking someone to convert in exchange of material benefits is UNETHICAL and must be banned all over the country. It amounts to emotional, religious and cultural treachery.
Our Stand
The outburst of anger of the Kandhs on the assassination of Swamiji and Hindu priestesses was reasonable. The pressure had been building up for a long period of time. The Pana Christians and the missionaries kind of asked for it.
The killing of Swamiji gave vent to this anger and frustation. But things like killings, rape are condemnable acts and everyone should refrain from such acts. The Christians were guilty, even more so. The Kandhs, VHP, RSS and Bajrang Dal cannot be singled out for such insinuations.
The Kandhs along with VHP had sought help of the police but adequate protection was not provided to the VHP leader.
The BJP led government failed to act proactively even when it knew about the problems in Kandhamal
The New Life Church has denied the charges. Churches that hurt religious sentiments of the Hindus, create conflicts and resort to unethical conversion tactics ought to be banned.
Our Stand
This issue should have been made a big political issue by the BJP, but they also did not pay much attention to the complaints of the Kandhs
The VHP needs to be lauded for standing up against illegal conversions and preserving local culture
The media needs to be responsible and should present a complete picture instead of bits and pieces
Again, we as Hindus have failed in guarding our own people. How long will we let this happen?
Institutional Conversions = Emotional, Religious & Cultural Terrorism STOP THEM
How to stop illegal institutional conversions?
Report any such activity in your area to Swabhimaan Support other organizations on this issue Spread awareness about tactics used by missionaries for institutional conversion Conduct talks and/or rallies for increasing awareness about the issue among the general public
Videos
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Zxjndf0mw http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=dkvdtzk1pbo&feature=related http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=52Jok2Jzt3s&feature=related http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=XX4-dsk2Nt0&feature=related http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=h7OwEcW-1ZE&feature=related
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=k89FsFjVWos http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=qXcJ7qsgUyM&feature=related
http://www.blonnet.com/2008/10/03/stories/2008100350660900.htm
References
http://www.worldsikhnews.com/3%20September%202008/Trishool%20Against%20Trinity.htm http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//news/2008/jan/08guest.htm
http://newshopper.sulekha.com/topic//debate-continues/newsitem/2008/10/sc-or-st-debate-continues.htm http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//news/2008/jan/08guest.htm http://newshopper.sulekha.com/newsitem/2008/10/maoist-angle-orissa-carnage.htm http://www.indiannotion.com/index.php/newslinks/c48-63/?startnum=361 http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=265&page=7
Background
Of the 6.48 lakh people in the district, 3.36 lakh (52 per cent) belong to scheduled tribes (STs), while another 1.05 lakh (17 per cent) are scheduled castes (SCs).
Of the 1 lakh Christians, 60 per cent are converts from SCs, locally known as 'Pana Christians'.
Under the rules, STs who convert to Christianity continue to enjoy
reservations, but not SCs who convert.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is opposed to reservations for Pana Christians as it would eat into the benefits meant for Kandhs, the Hindu tribals
Background
Most persons belonging to the Panas (Scheduled Caste category) got converted to Christianity and most of them concealed their conversion status for the fear of getting deprived of the SC facilities.
For, any SC person, in the event of adopting Christianity, could not claim the benefits of Scheduled Caste in getting employment, social security and other privileges and facilities.
But if they got the Scheduled Tribe status, the conversion doesn't prove hindrance to them. It is exactly for this reason that the Christian missionaries were pursuing the matter of an accordance of ST status. The 2001 census brought into light the increase in the number of conversions.
Demand for ST status by Christian Pana SCs
The Panas have been demanding inclusion of their caste in the Scheduled Tribe category as they too speak the same Kui language that the ST Kondhs speak. The Kandhs (STs) are against this demand This argument of the Panas was rejected by the state government as well as by the courts as many General Category people also speak the Kui language.
Other Causes of conflicts
"Lands of many tribals are in the possession of Panas people through mortgage or encroachment. Or for that matter even have an adverse possession," a VHP member alleges. Kandhs claim that Pana Christians have fake ST certificates In Barakhama, a dispute of 22 Bigha exists on which Christians have allegedly established their church and residential accommodation As per the provisions of the Regulation 2 of 1956, any land belonging to ST person, cannot be transferred/alienated/recorded in ROR to a person of any caste including SC. Section 3(2) of the above Regulation makes the provision for rejectment of any person other than ST, from the land of ST.
Earlier clashes
Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a Hindu seer working for the socio-economic development of the local people for over four decades -- he set out for Brahmanigoan on December 24. His car was attacked by a violent Christian mob in which the seer himself and two of his followers sustained serious injuries
It was this attack that led to further clashes in the district, as he was highly respected and has innumerable supporters in the district. Four days of clashes resulted in both sides suffering in various ways -- many houses were burnt, properties destroyed and physical attacks taking place
Many believe Maoists collaborated with some locals to avenge the burning of 11 churches in December
The trouble in Kandhamal started on December 23 when some Christians at Brahmanigoan village wanted to erect a Christmas gate in front of a Hindu place of worship. This was resented by the local Hindus who questioned the motive of the Christians in insisting on building a second gate near a Hindu place of worship while one gate was already erected at a place where it is done every year on the eve of Christmas. This led to the initial clashes. Since Christians were more in number in the said village the Hindus were at the receiving end
Swami Laxmananda Saraswati
It was amidst this brewing resentment and the alleged "conversion overdrive" Swami Laxmanananda arrived in Kandhamal in 1966 and set up an ashram at Chakapada. "He started imparting training to the tribals on the issue of watershed management and stressed the need of education. The Kandhas slowly moved on to developmental path. Both the VHP and the Bajrang Dal despite its symbolic presence, supported Saraswati's movement with the main motive of countering an increasing Christian base," observers point out.
Swami's Parabartan - great return to the Hindu fold - aimed at checking the rampant conversions was also a cause of conflict
The killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others by 25-30 armed persons was the trigger that unleashed the violence in Kandhmal. A Maoist leader has admitted to killing the religious leader Though the Maoists claimed to have killed Laxamananda, its leader Sabyasachi Panda's claim that most Maoist cadres in Orissa are Christians only points to a deeper missionary-Maoist nexus.
Christian Maoist Links By maintaining that tribals were not Hindus, the banned ultra outfit has only tried to renew an age-old controversy even as it has sought to distance itself from the ongoing anti-Christian violence.
"The statements about tribals not being Hindus, that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should step down and that the political parties were not raising their voices against communal violence have a strong political overtone, very contrary to the ruthless tenor normally associated with Maoists," said a senior IPS officer.
Among those arrested in connection with the burning down of villages inhabited by Hindus (Brahmanigaon, Jhinjiriguda, Katingia, and Godapur) were 47 Maoists. Some 20 guns have been recovered by the security forces from them.
Statements of Police
For the first time, the State police on Thursday admitted that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his disciples were victims of a wellcoordinated conspiracy.
Swamiji and four of his disciples were killed on August 23 on Janmashtami day, considered as one of the most auspicious days for Hindus. When inmates of the hostel at Chakapad in Kandhamal were celebrating the puja in the evening, around 30 to 40 people armed with sophisticated weapons barged into the ashram and killed Swamiji.
Illegal Conversions?
It is noteworthy that in a state like Orissa which enacted anti-conversion laws as back as in 1967, the Christian population in Kandhamal district alone has grown from 6 per cent in 1970 to 27 per cent in 2001.
Why would anyone convert unless asked to? Could money, deceit and other allurements be the cause? The law does not prohibit propagation but bans conversions on the basis of above factors The often cited ‘Dalit’ reason is not valid here, because there are two independent communities. The Panas were not subservient to the Kandhs. Though over a period of time the Panas seem to be gaining an upper hand.
What is said on Conversions
After the tsunami, the US National Council of Churches issued a statement warning against the practice by "New Missionaries" of mixing evangelism and aid. "Often lacking sophistication about the lure of gifts and money, and wanting to be generous with their resources, they easily fall prey to the charge of using unethical means to evangelize. This creates a backlash," the February statement read.
"You get this guy out of Texas who has no idea of the local culture, he is out to win souls, and he comes with a lot of money," says Bob Alter, former Presbyterian pastor born and raised in the Indian mountain town of Mussoorie, and former superintendent of a missionary institution, the Woodstock School.
What is said on Conversions
It even quoted one Bishop Chacko, head of the Roman Catholic diocese in Meghnagar in Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh who said, 'Even the older Protestant churches are unhappy with the evangelicals. It is said that they are irresponsible. Consequences don't matter to them. They put the fire and then they leave it to burn.‘
Objection is to evangelical activities of 'aggressive conversion campaign'.
If we argue that conversion is a right, then re-conversion too is a right. In this melee of conversions and re-conversions violence and strife will become the order of the day.
Let every religion enjoy complete religious freedom to preach, practice and propagate.
But as our apex court categorically stated, 'Propagate' does not and should not include 'Conversion'. Let us put an end to the institutionalized activity of conversions by church agents and instead allow citizens freedom of personal choice without fear or favour.
What is said on Conversions
The problem with these newer churches, Mr. Alter says, is the tone of their message. "You have Baptists using the Diwali festival [the Hindu festival of lights], but they come to 'spread the light to those in darkness.' That is mighty offensive stuff, when you're out to tear down another religion."
Other side
The rift widened further after the change in the reservation status of Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency and its three Assembly constituencies by the Delimitation Commission. Illegal encroachment of land by a section of Panas which originally belonged to the Kandhas further added to the problem. As per the Land Regulations Act of the State, no non-ST can buy or take possession of land from a tribal owner.
If the reports of the Kandhamal district administration are taken into account, the Hindu community is becoming a minority in the district as the Christian population has increased by 66 per cent in comparison to an 18.6 per cent increase in the totals' population over the last few years.
As per the 2001 census, there were 1,17,950 Christians. However, the most astounding fact is that out of the total 42,353 converted Christians during the period of 1989-2001, only two persons had applied for conversion respecting the Orissa Freedom of Religion Rules, 1989.
It seems that the Kandhas, one of the historic communities since the time immemorial has been losing their identity owing to such illegal conversions. Unfortunately, no action has been taken against the illegal religious conversions though The Orissa Freedom of Religion Act, 1967 has been violated through these years since its enforcement prior to the Orissa Freedom of Religious Rules, 1989.
How conversions were done by the New Life Church
Upon introduction they were paid Rs 2,500 per person and then taken to the Velankanni shrine, in Tamil Nadu, where they would get another Rs. 3,000.
When they finally converted to Christianity by changing the name, they got an incentive of Rs 10,000 onwards.
Newlife would then give them instructions to abandon wearing tilak on forehead, not to visit and offer prayers at the Hindu temples, replacing the photos and idols of Hindu gods and goddesses with a Cross, etc.
But what really angered local Hindus was when Newlife went one step further and published a book in Kannada — Satya Darshini — which was widely distributed by its missionaries. Here below is the translation of some of the most abusive passages: “Urvashi — the daughter of Lord Vishnu — is a prostitute.
Swabhimaan asks forgiveness from our Gods for reproducing these lines, but people need to be told the facts
Sacriligeous Literature in Karnataka
Vashistha is the son of this prostitute.
He in turn married his own Mother. Such a degraded person is the Guru of the Hindu God Rama. (page 48).
When Krishna himself is wallowing in darkness of hell, how can he enlighten others? Since Krishna himself is a shady character, there is a need for us to liberate his misled followers (page 50). It was Brahma himself who kidnapped Sita.
“Since Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were themselves victims of lust, it is a sin to consider them as Gods. (page 39).
When the Trinity of Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) are consumed by lust and anger, how can they liberate others? The projection of them as Gods is nothing but a joke. (page 39). God, please liberate the sinful people of India who are worshipping False Gods. (Page 39).” When blasphemy and much worse is brought against the most sacred Hindu Gods, Hindus are supposed to take it meekly as sheep and let themselves be converted to a foreign religion! There are more than 4,000 foreign Christian missionaries involved in conversion activities across different states. Swabhimaan asks forgiveness from our Gods for reproducing these lines, but people need to be told the facts
Response of the New Life Church
But so far the New Life Church hasn’t provided convincing answers to reports that its religious literature is targeting the majority community and is getting foreign funds. scathingly denigrating Hindu gods and goddesses in the foulest of language
Other similar churches :
Classical Secular Indian Media
Neither the Indian press nor the western correspondents bothered to write about what made Hindus angry in Karnataka: Newlife, one important westernfunded missionary centre ( http://www.newlifevoice.org), began making conversions in and around Mangalore by accosting poor people in market areas, or in bus stands, befriending them and then taking them to churches to introduce them to the father.
Our stand
Those who choose to convert in return for material benefits or are deceived cannot be really blamed. They convert because of poverty and gullibility. It is those who engage in emotional and religious exploitation of others – particularly the Evangelists like the New Life Church who are the culprits Emotional and religious exploitation by other churches cannot be ruled out The Kandhs had been at the receiving end – their jobs, education and even land was in danger The Pana Christians were using illegal /covert means to derive maximum material benefits at the expense of the Kandhs
Asking someone to convert in exchange of material benefits is UNETHICAL and must be banned all over the country. It amounts to emotional, religious and cultural treachery.
Our Stand
The outburst of anger of the Kandhs on the assassination of Swamiji and Hindu priestesses was reasonable. The pressure had been building up for a long period of time. The Pana Christians and the missionaries kind of asked for it.
The killing of Swamiji gave vent to this anger and frustation. But things like killings, rape are condemnable acts and everyone should refrain from such acts. The Christians were guilty, even more so. The Kandhs, VHP, RSS and Bajrang Dal cannot be singled out for such insinuations.
The Kandhs along with VHP had sought help of the police but adequate protection was not provided to the VHP leader.
The BJP led government failed to act proactively even when it knew about the problems in Kandhamal
The New Life Church has denied the charges. Churches that hurt religious sentiments of the Hindus, create conflicts and resort to unethical conversion tactics ought to be banned.
Our Stand
This issue should have been made a big political issue by the BJP, but they also did not pay much attention to the complaints of the Kandhs
The VHP needs to be lauded for standing up against illegal conversions and preserving local culture
The media needs to be responsible and should present a complete picture instead of bits and pieces
Again, we as Hindus have failed in guarding our own people. How long will we let this happen?
Institutional Conversions = Emotional, Religious & Cultural Terrorism STOP THEM
How to stop illegal institutional conversions?
Report any such activity in your area to Swabhimaan Support other organizations on this issue Spread awareness about tactics used by missionaries for institutional conversion Conduct talks and/or rallies for increasing awareness about the issue among the general public
Videos
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=q3Zxjndf0mw http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=dkvdtzk1pbo&feature=related http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=52Jok2Jzt3s&feature=related http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=XX4-dsk2Nt0&feature=related http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=h7OwEcW-1ZE&feature=related
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=k89FsFjVWos http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=qXcJ7qsgUyM&feature=related
http://www.blonnet.com/2008/10/03/stories/2008100350660900.htm
References
http://www.worldsikhnews.com/3%20September%202008/Trishool%20Against%20Trinity.htm http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//news/2008/jan/08guest.htm
http://newshopper.sulekha.com/topic//debate-continues/newsitem/2008/10/sc-or-st-debate-continues.htm http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//news/2008/jan/08guest.htm http://newshopper.sulekha.com/newsitem/2008/10/maoist-angle-orissa-carnage.htm http://www.indiannotion.com/index.php/newslinks/c48-63/?startnum=361 http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=265&page=7
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