A leadership meeting of the Adivasi Forum under the Bongiyo Christian Pariseba (BCP) focused on protecting the constitutional rights of tribal communities and planning collective action. The meeting was held on April 9 in Kharagpur and brought together representatives from five districts, including West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, and Burdwan.

BCP founder and state secretary Herod Mullick explained the background of the “de-listing” issue, which questions the status of tribal communities. He said the issue, first raised decades ago, is again gaining attention through various groups and campaigns. He warned that such debates could divide tribal unity and urged people to stay alert and united.

Legal expert Aditya Tewari said tribal identity is based on ethnicity, culture, and geography, not religion. He explained that changing religion does not change a person’s tribal identity, and the Constitution supports this view.

State coordinator Victor Behera also stressed that tribal identity is natural and cannot be removed. He compared it to a river that keeps its identity even when it changes form.

The forum announced several plans until 2026, including digital awareness campaigns, cultural programs, and promotion of tribal languages and traditions. It also called for unity among all Adivasi groups to protect their rights related to land, forest, and livelihood.

More meetings are planned in different parts of West Bengal to continue this effort.

Fresh violence has shaken Manipur after two children from the Meitei community were killed in a suspected militant attack. The incident is seen as a serious setback to the fragile peace in the conflict-hit state.

A five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister died in a bomb attack on their home in Moirang, located in Bishnupur district, on April 7. Their mother was seriously injured and is receiving treatment.

Following the attack, Meitei organizations blamed suspected militants from Kuki-Zo tribal groups and organized a protest rally demanding justice. The protest later turned violent, with clashes reported between protesters and security forces.

Officials said the situation became uncontrollable when some protesters tried to storm a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp. Vehicles were set on fire, barricades were broken, and attempts were made to seize weapons. Security forces opened fire to control the crowd, leaving at least three people dead and 25 injured.

Authorities responded by imposing a curfew in Bishnupur district and shutting down internet services for three days in several areas to prevent further unrest.

Tribal groups have denied involvement in the attack and called for a fair investigation. They also warned against blaming communities without clear evidence.

Manipur has been facing ethnic tensions since 2023 between the Meitei community and tribal groups, mainly Kuki-Zo Christians. The conflict has already claimed around 260 lives and displaced thousands. The latest violence highlights the urgent need for peace, dialogue, and justice in the region.

The government of Rajasthan has revoked the recognition of St Paul Secondary School Dungarpur, raising allegations that the institution promoted religious conversion among students. The decision has created concern among Church leaders, parents, and the local community.

In an official letter dated April 2, the district education officer stated that the school could no longer operate classes, admit students, or conduct examinations. Around 500 students have been asked to move to nearby schools. The order also mentioned issues such as alleged mistreatment of students, the presence of a statue of Mother Mary on campus, and the use of terms like “father,” “mother,” and “sister” for staff.

School authorities have strongly denied all allegations. The manager of the school said the decision was unfair and taken without any prior notice. He confirmed that the matter has been challenged in the High Court, seeking justice and a review of the order.

Parents of nearly 100 students also came forward in support of the school. In a letter to officials, they stated that the school provides a disciplined and positive learning environment. They clearly denied any form of forced religious conversion and said students from different religions study together peacefully.

Church leaders believe the action is part of increasing pressure on Christian institutions in the state. They have called for a fair inquiry and protection of minority education rights.

The incident highlights the need for careful handling of sensitive issues related to religion and education, ensuring that students’ futures are not affected.

The Catholic Church in Kerala bid a heartfelt farewell to Fr. Dr. Francis Alapatt, who passed away on April 9 at the age of 72. Widely known as the “Doctor Priest,” he was remembered as a priest, doctor, writer, and humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving people.

A former vicar general of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, he combined medical knowledge with pastoral care, becoming a rare example of service both at the altar and in hospitals.

His funeral on April 11 drew a large gathering of bishops, priests, healthcare workers, and many people whose lives he had touched. The final rites were held at Our Lady of Dolours Basilica. Archbishop Andrews Thazhath led the requiem Mass, while Mar Raphael Thattil shared a condolence message.

As his final wish, his body was donated to Jubilee Mission Medical College Hospital, where he served for many years. His eyes were also donated, continuing his mission even after death.

Fr. Alapatt played a key role in developing healthcare in central Kerala. He promoted blood donation and founded the Kerala Blood Donors Forum, inspiring many young people to help save lives.

Born in Thrissur, he studied medicine before becoming a priest in 1995. He also contributed as a writer and filmmaker, using media to spread awareness.

He will be remembered as a compassionate leader who served all people beyond barriers of religion and society.

Bishop Sagili Prakash of the Diocese of Khammam has asked the Supreme Court of India to review the exclusion of Dalit Christians from Scheduled Caste reservation benefits.

Speaking during a Good Friday gathering in Khammam on April 3, the bishop said that Dalit Christians continue to face social and economic discrimination and should not lose reservation benefits after converting to Christianity.

He said the Indian Constitution guarantees equality and freedom of religion under Articles 13, 14, and 25. According to the bishop, people who choose to become Christians do so freely, but their conversion should not take away benefits linked to their historical social disadvantage.

Bishop Prakash criticised the Presidential Order of 1950, which limits Scheduled Caste status mainly to Dalits who follow Hinduism. The benefits were later extended to Sikhs and Buddhists, but not to Christians or Muslims.

He said this exclusion prevents Dalit Christians from receiving reservation benefits in education and government jobs.

“For generations, Dalits have faced discrimination and untouchability. Denying reservation benefits makes their suffering worse,” the bishop said.

The bishop spoke after leading a “Way of the Cross” procession in Khammam that was attended by more than 5,000 people.

During his address at Ambedkar Centre, he also spoke about peace, unity, and the idea of the world as one family.

Bishop Prakash said he has raised this issue many times with national leaders, including prime ministers, presidents, and members of parliament.

The Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore has opened a special help desk for transgender persons at Kadarkarai Sagaya Madha Church in Ennore, Chennai.

The new initiative was blessed and opened by Archbishop George Antony Samy. The help desk aims to offer spiritual support, mental health counselling, and help with employment for transgender persons, especially in and around Chennai.

The desk is located inside the parish premises and is seen as one of the first efforts of its kind in the Catholic Church in India. It hopes to support a community that has often faced rejection and discrimination in society and even within the Church.

The initiative is led by Fr. Leo Joseph along with Inba Ignatius, founder of the Snegidhan Snegidhi Trust. The trust is known for helping transgender persons with shelter and job opportunities.

Fr. Joseph said he began this work after seeing the struggles faced by many transgender people during his earlier ministry in Chennai. He said many were afraid to take part in Church activities because of past experiences of exclusion.

Inba Ignatius also shared that she had once been an active Catholic but later felt rejected after her gender transition.

An eight-member committee of priests, religious sisters, laypeople, and transgender representatives has been formed to guide the project.

Church leaders hope the new desk will help transgender persons feel accepted, respected, and welcomed in parish life.

Fr. Justin Panackal, the famous Carmelite priest and composer of the beloved devotional song Paithalam Yeshuve, passed away on Maundy Thursday at the age of 91.

A member of the Discalced Carmelites congregation, Fr. Panackal was one of the most important figures in Christian devotional music in Kerala. He composed 28 songs, many of which became popular through the voice of K. J. Yesudas.

Some of his best-known songs include Paithalam Yeshuve, Manju Pozhiyunna Maamaram, Navyamaya Oru Kalpana, and “En Jeevithamaam Ee Marakkombil.” These songs continue to be sung in churches and prayer gatherings across Kerala.

Fr. Panackal was born on August 10, 1935, in Kumbalangi near Kochi. After losing his father at a young age, he was raised in Alappuzha, where his talent in music was noticed early.

He joined the seminary in 1954 and was ordained a priest in 1962 at Mangalapuzha Seminary. Later, he studied in Rome and earned a doctorate in Carmelite spirituality.

For many years, he taught theology and music at St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary in Aluva. He also wrote 17 books and more than 125 articles.

His death on Maundy Thursday was seen as especially meaningful because one of his well-known songs, Navyamaya Oru Kalpana, is traditionally sung in churches on that day.

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on March 16 passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, despite opposition from Christian groups and some political parties. The bill will become law after approval by the Legislative Council and the state governor.

The move makes Maharashtra the latest state to introduce a law regulating religious conversions. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government supported the bill, saying it aims to prevent conversions through force, fraud, coercion, or inducement.

The law proposes strict punishments. It includes up to seven years in jail and a fine of 100,000 rupees for illegal conversions linked to marriage. The penalty is higher if the case involves women, minors, or people from tribal or Dalit communities. Repeat offenders can face up to 10 years in prison.

Christian leaders and activists have raised concerns about the bill. They fear it could be misused to target minorities and restrict religious freedom. Some have also said the law may create fear among interfaith couples, as complaints can be filed easily.

Another concern is the requirement for people to give advance notice before converting. Critics say this may violate personal freedom and privacy. They also warn that vague terms like “inducement” could affect charitable activities such as education and healthcare services.

Legal experts have pointed out that making such offences non-bailable may lead to misuse in sensitive situations.

Church groups and civil society organizations have urged the government to reconsider the provisions and ensure that the law does not harm religious harmony or individual rights.

Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh have expressed serious concern after a teenage Christian boy was allegedly assaulted by a mob and forced to chant “Jai Shri Ram.”

A video of the incident, reportedly from Champa district, appeared on social media on March 18. It shows the boy being slapped, held by his collar, and forced to repeat the slogan while being surrounded by a group. The video has caused outrage, with many people condemning the act as religious coercion.

Local police said they were not aware of the incident and confirmed that no official complaint had been filed at the time. Christian leaders, however, said such incidents are becoming more frequent and are creating fear among the community.

They also raised concern about a proposed amendment to the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, which aims to prevent forced religious conversions. While the government says the law is meant to protect vulnerable groups, many Christians fear it could be misused and increase pressure on minorities.

In recent months, there have been reports of attacks on Christian families in different parts of the state. Some families have been beaten, threatened, or forced to leave their homes.

Reports from groups such as the United Christian Forum indicate that many incidents targeting Christians were recorded in the state in 2024 and 2025.

Christians make up less than two percent of the state’s population. Leaders say this makes the community more vulnerable and have called for stronger action to ensure safety, peace, and protection of religious freedom.

Bishop Emeritus Jerome Dhas Varuvel of the Diocese of Kuzhithurai passed away on March 24 at the age of 74. He died at 1:30 am at the Care Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Chennai.

The bishop had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and Dementia and was under treatment at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai in recent months.

His funeral was scheduled for March 25 at the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kuzhithurai, located in Kanyakumari district.

Born on October 21, 1951, in Paduvoor in the Kottar diocese, Bishop Varuvel began his early education in Nagercoil. He later joined the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1976 and made his perpetual profession in 1981.

He pursued higher studies in Rome and was ordained a priest on June 2, 1985, by Pope John Paul II. Over the years, he served in various roles, including rector, teacher, and administrator in different Salesian institutions.

In 2014, the Diocese of Kuzhithurai was established, and he became its first bishop in 2015. He led the diocese until his resignation in 2020 due to ill health.

The region has a deep Christian history linked to Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Francis Xavier.

Bishop Varuvel is remembered for his dedicated service, simple life, and pastoral care.