Bhubaneswar: Outrage has erupted in a village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district following allegations that Christian missionaries made derogatory remarks about Hindu deities and blamed India for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Villagers, especially from the Munda tribal community, have expressed their strong opposition and filed a written complaint at the Karanjia police station. In response, the police have registered a case against three pastors and are investigating the matter.
Mayurbhanj, a district predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, has long been a focal point for Christian missionary activities. The incident took place in Munda Sahi, a hamlet of Sharadha village within the Karanjia police limits.
According to the complaint, on May 19, Christian pastors organised a religious gathering in the village during which they made insulting comments about Hindu deities. They also made derogatory remarks about Hinduism and its practices. The pastors used the event as a platform to promote Christianity and attempted to influence locals to convert.
Click here to download the copy of the FIR
The controversy intensified when some speakers at the event expressed support for Pakistan in relation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack and shockingly blamed the Indian government for orchestrating the incident. This sparked widespread anger among the local tribal population.
Villagers claimed that the speeches delivered during the religious event were not only anti-Hindu but also anti-national. They stated that the pastors used microphones to disseminate such provocative and objectionable statements, making it extremely challenging for the villagers to tolerate the disrespect shown towards their culture, religion, and nation.
In their written complaint, the villagers named three individuals responsible for these actions: Pastor Patras Gunua, Babuni Munda, and Pradeep Munda. These pastors are accused of delivering inciting speeches and promoting religious conversion while sowing seeds of communal discord in the village.
The complaint further asserted that the purpose of the gathering seemed to be to disturb public peace and create disharmony among the villagers. They warned that if timely action were not taken, the situation could escalate and potentially threaten law and order in the region.
Taking the matter seriously, Karanjia police registered a case under FIR number 171/25 against the three accused and commenced an investigation. No arrests have been reported yet, but authorities have assured that a thorough probe is underway.
The villagers emphasised that such acts not only insult the sentiments of Hindu community but also pose a threat to national unity and integrity. They have demanded strict legal action against the accused to prevent similar incidents in the future and to maintain communal harmony and public peace in the region.
This incident has once again raised concerns about religious tensions in tribal areas and the role of external influences in disturbing traditional and cultural fabrics. As the investigation continues, locals are hoping for swift justice and the restoration of peace in their community.
