A forum backed by Hindu hardliners organized a protest march against the tribal Christian celebration of the Christ the King festival in Jharkhand, causing frustration and fear among the Christian community already facing rising pressure for their faith. The protest was held on Nov. 23 in Ranchi by the Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM), a group supported by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the main umbrella body of Hindu right-wing organizations. The RSS and its political arm, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claim that Christian celebrations are attempts to convert tribal people. JSM activists alleged that the festival was another example of “forced conversion” and demanded that it be banned in the state.
Christian leaders strongly rejected the accusations, calling them part of a growing campaign to spread fear among tribal Christians. “Tribal Catholics have been celebrating the Christ the King festival for more than twenty years. This is the first time such a protest was deliberately held on the same day to disturb peace,” said Ratan Tirkey, a tribal Christian leader. He said the organizers wanted attention and attempted to create suspicion against Christians. Another leader, Praween Kachhap, said groups like JSM aim to control tribal land, culture, and traditions. He pointed out that most JSM members support the BJP, and such protests are used to create division among tribal communities. Local tribal leader Prabhakar Tirkey said it was wrong to blame Christian missionaries for harming tribal culture. “In reality, they have helped protect tribal languages and identity,” he said.
Jharkhand has seen a rise in hostility toward Christians, especially after a strict anti-conversion law was passed in 2017. The law carries a penalty of three years in jail and a heavy fine. Christians form about 1.4 million of the state’s 33 million people, most of them belonging to tribal communities.
