Villagers in Gumla’s Kobja Ban Entry of Christian Pastors, Put Up Warning Banners

Photo: RP

Raidih (Gumla): Tensions over religious conversion and the preservation of tribal identity have surfaced in Kobja village under Raidih block of Gumla district, where a special Gram Sabha has announced a decision to prohibit the entry of Christian pastors and priests into the village.

Following the meeting, villagers put up permanent banners and posters declaring their opposition to the entry of Christian religious leaders. Hundreds of men and women, including members of the tribal community, participated in the gathering and collectively endorsed the decision.

Nisha Oraon, a social activist from the Sarna community who attended the programme, said religious conversion among tribal communities had emerged as a serious concern for the Sarna society. She maintained that efforts were needed to protect indigenous religious traditions, cultural identity and customary practices.

Referring to the Fifth Schedule provisions and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), she said the Gram Sabha had special powers in the area and that villagers had taken the decision by invoking these provisions.

During the gathering, participants also took an oath that Christian religious leaders would not be allowed to enter the village. Warning boards were installed to communicate the decision.

Bishu Oraon and other members of the Sarna community, including women residents, alleged that incidents of religious conversion had been taking place repeatedly in the area, threatening their traditional beliefs and cultural identity. They also alleged that attempts were being made to construct a church in the village without proper authorisation, raising concerns among local residents about the future of their community and traditions.

The villagers said their collective action was intended to safeguard their religious and cultural heritage.