Tribal Christian church demolished in Chhattisgarh (VIDEO)
The incident reportedly took place recently in the village of Telanga Para. Local Christians have also been accused of forced conversions. “Tensions and fear are high the village following this episode,” said Global Council of Indian Christians president.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) – A church that belongs to the tribal community in Telanga Para (Chhattisgarh) was demolished recently without prior warning.
Some families from Kondagaon district had built the place of worship last February but other residents first vandalised it and then destroyed it, claiming that it was on public land.
“Tribal Christians were targeted for their faith, and the church was demolished without warning,” explained Sajan K. George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC). “Tensions and fear are high the village following this episode.”
According to the local tehsildar (government tax official), notification of the demolition was given two weeks before the church was torn down.
Tribal Christians complain instead that houses have been built illegally in the village while the authorities have not taken any steps against such violations.
“Accusations of forced conversions have also been levelled at tribal Christians,” George noted. “They are groundless. The conversion issue is a way for the right-wing to gain support and sow discord and suspicion against tribal Christians.”
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20/09/2021 16:52
06/07/2021 12:31
