Bishop slams Christian persecution in eastern Jharkhand state

Church leaders in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand have deplored the continuing persecution of tribal Christians in the state by “anti-social groups” with the backing of some political parties. “These anti-social groups are certainly backed by bigger forces, including political parties; else how can they take the law into their hands?” said Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas of Daltonganj. The prelate said a sustained campaign is underway against the work done by the Christian missionaries for the welfare of the tribal people in Jharkhand. “Religious conversion is alleged very often nowadays with no basis or proof by some anti-social elements who do not want peace to prevail in the state,” Mascarenhas told on May 2. He referred to the latest incident of six Christian families in his diocese who were forced to abandon their homes and flee, fearing for their lives. These Christian families from Hata village in Latehar district were threatened by a pro-Hindu group for refusing to donate money for Sarhul, a spring festival celebrated in early April by various tribal groups in Jharkhand. The six families left the village on April 28, reported the local ETV Bharat news channel. The report quoted Nageswar Oraon, one of the Christians who is now living with his family in a neighbouring village, saying that “since we had no money, we expressed inability to pay for the festival.” “We were threatened and attacked by some villagers because we are Christians,” he added.