Tensions erupt in Odisha’s Kapena village as tribals allege threats, assault over Church dispute
Kapena, Odisha: Members of the tribal Christian community in Kapena village of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district have alleged that they were harassed, assaulted and prevented from holding prayers following demands by some Hindu villagers to shift a church from its present location, claiming it obstructed their religious activities.
Community members said a mob issued threats using loudspeakers, warning that the church would be demolished and around 30 tribal Christian families would be expelled if they continued their religious practices. The dispute is seen as a departure from the past, as sacred grove and the Blessing Youth Mission Church had coexisted in close proximity for nearly 18 years without reported conflict.
Tensions have escalated over the past two weeks in the village, where tribals constitute the majority of the roughly 250 households, primarily from the Gond, Bhatra and Santa communities, most of whom depend on agriculture. Over the years, some tribal families have converted to Christianity, according to a report pubished by The Maktoob Media.
On Sunday evening, two youngsters from the tribal Christian community, identified as John Santa, 20, and Jolandar Santa, 17, were allegedly summoned by villagers and assaulted. The youngsters filed a complaint at the Umerkote Police Station on January 26, naming seven villagers as accused, three of whom were allegedly involved in leading the mob.
Following the complaint, police visited the village, removed a lock from the church gate and deployed personnel to guard the building, according to Gourab Kauri, secretary of the Nabarangpur Christian Minority Council, as quoted by UCA News. Umerkote Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Ramakant Sai said police had received a distress call from the Christian community, who reported feeling threatened after villagers demanded the church be relocated.
Senior district officials and police personnel subsequently reached Kapena village, where residents from nearby villages also joined local opposition to the church. A community meeting was held in the presence of representatives from both sides, during which it was agreed to maintain peace and avoid taking the law into one’s own hands. Christian community leaders have said they will decide on the issue of shifting the church within 15 days.
Christians constitute about 2.77 per cent of Odisha’s population of around 4. 2 crores, while Hindus and Indigenous communities together account for nearly 90 per cent. According to police, two platoons would remain deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, particularly with a seven-day yagna scheduled in February that could heighten tensions.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
