In Kuchinda, Rairakhol and even Sambalpur city itself, tribals have demanded that the converted Christians be not allowed to enjoy rights and entitlements of the tribals as per law
Notably a good number of tribal people in these areas are getting converted to Christians being allured by the missionaries active all over the district with foreign funding.
But after getting converted, these Christians are still taking the benefits of the tribals and thus depriving the original ones of their rights and benefits, alleged the aboriginal people under the banner of the Jana Jati Surakshya Manch (JJSM).
At the same time, they are also hiding their religion before the Government with the sole intention of swindling benefits and telling lies which is against ethics of Christianity or any other religion, the JJSM alleged.
“In practice they are Christians, and in Government records they are Hindus. Why is this hypocrisy going on since a century,” JJSM asked. To protest such unethical practice and fraudulence, the Manch came forward to sensitise the administration on the vital issue.
“We demand the converted Christians to be eliminated from the list of tribals,” said a memorandum from the community including Rupesh Padhan, Tikeswar Luha, Biranchi Bagh and many others to the Sub Collector, Kuchinda, said.
“Everybody has got the right to practice any religion. Nobody can force him to follow any particular religion. But our point is that law of the land should be strictly adhered to,” said convenor of the Jana Jati Surakshya ManchSwami Sivananda.