Decisive battle against religious conversion; Sarv Samaj takes an aggressive stand
Sarv Samaj expresses strong anger, terms Christian conversions a threat
Dozens of organisations, including the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce, extend support
Raipur/Chhattisgarh. Amid rising alleged conversion incidents and the resulting social tensions in the state, Sarv Samaj has announced a statewide shutdown on 24 December. At a press conference held at Raipur Press Club, representatives of various social and tribal organisations stated that the attack on the Hindu tribal community in Aamabeda, Kanker district, between 15–18 December, has raised serious questions over administrative neutrality. According to Sarv Samaj, this is not the first such incident; similar clashes linked to religious conversions have surfaced earlier in several districts, increasing discord and resentment in tribal regions.
The representatives alleged that the constitutional role of the Gram Sabha in Fifth Schedule areas and the protection of tribal faith and traditions were neglected. They further accused the district police and administration of inaction, involvement of external groups, and biased conduct, which escalated tensions.
The statewide shutdown has received support from numerous social and business organisations, including the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce. Memorandums will be submitted to district administrations, and meetings will be held in all districts.
The press conference was jointly addressed by Khedis Ram Kashyap, Central President of Chhattisgarh Manwa Kurmi Kshatriya Samaj; Umesh Kachhap, leader of the Oraon community; Krishna Kumar Khelkar, State Patron of Progressive Chhattisgarh Satnami Samaj; Banshilal Kurre (former ASP), Rajmahant of Chhattisgarh Satnami Samaj; Pramod Kumar Namdeo from Shri Namdeo Samaj Vikas Parishad; Basant Tarakh from Dhiwar Samaj; Pradeep Sahu, State Joint Secretary of Chhattisgarh Pradesh Sahu Sangh; Vikas Chandra Sinha and Umar Kant Sinha from Chhattisgarh Kalar Samaj. Many community representatives were also present.
Sarv Samaj placed the following five key demands before the government:
- Strict enforcement of the Freedom of Religion Act and firm action against incidents of conversion.
- Immediate stringent action against all accused in the Aamabeda attack, especially those linked to Bhim Army and associated groups.
- Suspension of Kanker SP Indira Kalyan Elesela and an independent, high-level inquiry into her alleged role.
- Suspension of SDM A.S. Paikra and Tehsildar Sudhir Khalkho, along with an impartial investigation.
- Withdrawal of all biased actions and criminal cases against tribal villagers, and compensation for those affected.
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