Bhubaneswar: Reports indicate that a Christian couple from Jagannathpur, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, had been residing in Banspani Basti, Joda, for several days. They allegedly attempted to convert local tribal residents by deceiving them with false promises and misleading information.
Local residents claim that ever since this Christian couple moved to the area, they have persistently asserted to the tribal population that they are not Hindus. Moreover, they have been spreading the message that by embracing Christianity, the tribal people can avoid all forms of illness and obtain salvation, as well as experience economic and social progress.
According to local residents, the couple had been enticing tribal children from surrounding areas with snacks and chocolates, and then inviting them to Christian prayer gatherings, where they would be encouraged to participate in prayers. This alleged luring and proselytizing had been ongoing for several months, leading to growing resentment and anger among the local community.
Following the allegations, local residents approached the Joda police station, urging authorities to take action against the couple accused of attempting to convert tribal individuals. The residents claimed that the couple’s activities were fostering animosity in the area and demanded intervention. Acting on the complaints, the local police detained the couple and initiated an investigation, questioning them about their alleged proselytizing efforts.
The couple accused of forced conversion has not refuted the allegations, and it is reported that they have already succeeded in converting some families to Christianity during their stay.
Local Hindu organisations are highlighting that Odisha was a pioneer in enacting the anti-conversion law, specifically the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act 1967, aimed at preventing illegal conversions. However, they lament that this law is not being effectively enforced, allowing coercive conversion activities to persist. Therefore, they demand that the authorities rigorously implement this law to prevent such illegal activities and hold accountable those who engage in forced conversion tactics.
