Bhubaneswar: Concerns over religious conversion activities and their impact on traditional tribal culture have surfaced in Odisha’s tribal-dominated Malkangiri district, with villagers from a remote settlement submitting a memorandum to the local administration seeking intervention and protection of indigenous customs and social practices.
The issue has emerged from Mangipali village under Kalimela Block, located near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. According to local residents, increasing religious activities linked to Christian missionary groups have led to tensions within the village and concerns regarding the preservation of tribal identity, traditions and customary practices.
Village representatives recently approached the office of the Sub-Collector and submitted a memorandum demanding administrative action. The memorandum was handed over to Pallavi Khara in the presence of several local leaders, including former MLA Mukunda Sodi and former sarpanch Deba Madkami.
According to the villagers, Mangipali comprises around 250 families with an estimated population of nearly 1,000 people, most of whom belong to tribal communities. They alleged that while only a few families had earlier embraced Christianity, efforts are now being intensified to influence more villagers toward conversion.
Villagers claimed that individuals from outside areas and different linguistic backgrounds are visiting the village to conduct prayer meetings and religious gatherings. Villagers further alleged that during such events, comments critical of traditional tribal beliefs, customs and rituals are being made, creating resentment among local communities.
The villagers expressed apprehension that such activities could adversely affect long-standing tribal traditions which hold cultural significance among local tribal groups.
In their memorandum, the villagers urged the administration to conduct an official verification regarding the number of residents who have adopted Christianity and to ensure that traditional social and cultural practices are not disrupted. They also appealed for preventive measures to avoid unnecessary interference in indigenous customs and community events.
The memorandum highlighted that Malkangiri falls under a Scheduled Area, where tribal traditions, cultural practices and community rights are protected under constitutional provisions and existing laws. Villagers requested the administration to take appropriate steps to safeguard tribal identity and social harmony in the region.
Speaking to Organiser, Sudhanshu Patnaik, National Secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad said that Christian missionary groups are attempting to distance tribal communities from their ancestral culture through various unlawful activities. He said the issue poses not only a threat to tribal traditions and cultural identity but also a serious concern for the country.
He further stated that laws are already in place in the state to prevent illegal religious conversions, but these provisions are not being implemented strictly. According to him, this has compelled villagers to approach the administration with their grievances. He urged the state government to treat the matter seriously and take stringent action against those allegedly involved in unlawful conversion activities.
