Right-wing Hindu groups have stepped up their anti-Christian campaign in central India, urging villagers to disassociate themselves from Christians and asking Christians to switch to Hinduism to avoid hostility.
However, indigenous Christians in Madhya Pradesh state have vowed not to give up their faith under pressure and are prepared to face challenges to safeguard their faith. Christian practices are against tribal traditions, Hindu leader Kamalesh Malviya told a meeting of the village council in Amba village in tribal-dominated Jhabua district. “There is no space for religious conversion and healing prayers among the indigenous people, and those who have converted to Christianity should be opposed,” he told a small crowd of village elders at the Jan. 26 meeting. Hindu groups are campaigning across Jhabua district for Christians to return to Hinduism, which they say is the parental religion of all Indians. The campaign and threats are “part of their attempt to create division and discord among the peacefully living tribal community,” said Jeevan Ganawa, a local Christian leader.
Jhabua has a high percentage of Christians, who form some 4 percent of the district’s 1 million people. Hindus comprise 93 percent and Muslims about 2 percent. In the rest of Madhya Pradesh, Christians account for less than 1 percent of the population, while the national average is only 2.3 percent. The numerical growth of Christians, mostly among tribal people, challenges the radicals’ idea of Hindu hegemony, said Ganawa, a second-generation tribal Christian leader.
“We have been practicing our faith amid threats and persecution,” he said.
About The Author
Harrison Okafor
editor
Judith is a believer, a lover of Christ and a Gospel freak person. A passionate gospel blogger and press writer. I work with GospelHitsNaija.net Media, no 1 Gospel music platform.
