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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PM Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on death anniversary
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, saying his call for 'swadeshi' is the fundamental principle for a developed India.
The prime minister said Mahatma Gandhi always laid strong emphasis on 'swadeshi', which is also a fundamental pillar of the government's resolve for a developed and self-reliant India.
"My tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary," Modi said in a post on X.
"His personality and deeds will forever continue to inspire the people of the country to walk the path of duty," the prime minister added.
India observes the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi as Martyrs' Day to honour the life and legacy of the nation's foremost leader and his ultimate sacrifice for peace, justice, and freedom.
