**********Christians in India Brace for Hindu ‘Reconversion’ EventSome leaders want local believers evacuated before Shabri Kumbh festival.by Nirmala CarvalhoMUMBAI, January 27 (Compass) – Some Christian leaders have suggested evacuating the entire Christian tribal population of Dangs in Gujarat state before the Shabri Kumbh, a Hindu “re-awakening” festival planned for February 11-13. Others have discouraged the plan, saying an evacuation would leave houses and livestock unattended.Rights groups fear that the kumbh, a religious gathering organized by Hindu extremist groups, may unleash a wave of violence against tribal Christians, echoing similar violence in Dangs in December 1998. At that time, Hindu extremists burned down 36 churches, sparking assaults against Christians in Gujarat and elsewhere.Organizers of the event – including the extremist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council) – predict around 500,000 Hindus will attend one or more days of the festival. In contrast, the total tribal population of Dangs is just 187,000, with Christians officially numbering 8,000 – although some say the percentage is slightly higher.Samson Christian, an executive member of the All India Christian Council (AICC), advocates a temporary resettlement for tribal Christians during the event.“In spite of all the promises made by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, we have to take some serious and drastic measures to protect the tribal Christians,” he explained. “Consequently, we are planning to move them out from February 1. Everyone is afraid that the violence unleashed in 1998 will resurface.”Christian acknowledged that major coordination between non-governmental organizations and Christian churches was necessary to arrange transport and temporary accommodation for the villagers.As for the homes left unguarded, he said, “The primary issue is the survival of these people. When their lives are in danger, what is the use of their huts and possessions?”Christian said thousands of village homes were already sporting bright yellow flags – a sign of Hindu allegiance. The flags were conspicuously absent from Christian homes, marking them for possible attack.Dr. John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic Union and general secretary of the AICC, wants the state government to intervene. He issued a press statement earlier this week discouraging a mass exodus from Dangs. “This is a test for the state government,” his statement said. “We expect positive steps for our security in the next few days.”Dayal said senior Christian leaders would be present during the event as observers. He also said the threat had united Christians across the country in prayer and support for Dangs residents.A History of ViolenceJesuit Father Tony Mailadi works in Subir sub-district, where the festival will be held. He described how Hindu fundamentalists attacked a Jesuit boarding school in Subir in December 1998. “The Navjot high school was set on fire by Hindu fundamentalists,” he said. “All the wooden furniture was destroyed, and I was beaten and stoned. The right side of my body was partly paralyzed for more than three months after the attack.”Mailadi said the event in February is not a religious function but an overtly political one. “The extremism of these Hindu groups, along with the compliance of the state machinery, will ensure the success of the kumbh,” he said. “Their sole agenda is to eliminate Christianity from Dangs.”Mailadi was doubtful about plans to evacuate Christians. “We can’t close down our residential school, which caters exclusively to tribal children. But with as many as 500,000 people descending on Subir, I fear a stampede. I’m also afraid some of our children may be kidnapped.”Mailadi will stay put, despite these fears. “I was commissioned here by my superiors and I will remain here. They stoned me in 1998, and my faith increased and my life was spared. Perhaps I can save more lives in 2006.” Local Jesuit Bishop Godfrey de Rozario has his own plan to protect residents.“[Chief Minister] Modi assured me of the safety of the tribal Christians,” he said, “but we are planning a parallel program to counteract the kumbh. This cultural tribal festival will coincide with the kumbh, but it will be held in one of the neighboring villages.”Rozario said both Christian and non-Christian residents from 12 villages surrounding Subir would take part in the festival, showcasing tribal arts and crafts, traditional dancing and other activities.This might deter immediate attacks, said Rozario, “but I fear a great backlash on tribal Christians after the kumbh.”“These Hindus have a right to hold their religious function, but their website spews hatred against the Christians,” he said. “That is uncalled for. They are openly and publicly declaring this a mass homecoming or reconversion drive.”Propaganda materials produced by organizers of the Hindu event are still circulating throughout Dangs. Material on compact discs clearly outlines the plan to “reconvert” Christian residents of Dangs to the “Hindu fold.” The organizers believe all members of Indian tribal groups were once Hindus, despite the fact that most of them were and continue to be animists.END**********Compass Direct Flash News is distributed as available to raise awareness of Christians worldwide who are persecuted for their faith. Articles may be reprinted by active subscribers only.Copyright 2006 Compass Directhttp://www.compassdirect.org/
