A tribal farmer uses a buffalo cart for transportation in Bastar village, Chhattisgarh, India. (Photo by Hari Mahidhar / Shutterstock.com)
By LiCAS.news
Jul 18 2021
Christian missionaries and indigenous peoples in the southern tip of India’s Chhattisgarh state have been placed under police surveillance, said a report from AsiaNews.
Divine Word missionary priest Babu Joseph, former spokesman for the Indian Bishops’ Conference, told the news site that the circular issued by the chief of police of the Sukma district “smacks of partiality and arbitrariness.”
Sunil Sharma, chief of police of the district, has issued a circular instructing officers to maintain strict surveillance on the activities of Christian missionaries and indigenous peoples.
“Christian missionaries and tribal Christians usually venture into the inner areas of the district and persuade non-Christian tribals to convert by offering them flattery,” the report quoted the circular.
“For this reason it cannot be excluded that the situation may lead to conflicts between local tribals and those converted (to Christianity),” it added.
The circular also urges police officers “to maintain a consistent vigilance on the activities of Christian missionaries and converted tribals residing in the district.”
Read the full news in LiCAS.news.
