Anti–Christian propaganda may stir communal violence, fears CSW

New Delhi – A Christian advocacy group has expressed its concerns about the anti–Christian propaganda launched by some Hindu extremist organizations in the tense Dangs region of Gujarat, warning that it may stir communal hatred against the religious minority communities like Christians and Muslims.

UK–based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and its Indian partner, All India Christian Council (AICC) have noted that the “Hindu Jagao, Christi Bhagao” (Awake, O Hindus, Chase out the Christians) slogan used widely by the Hindu extremist outfits during the preparation of the Shabri Kumbh Mela, a Hindu festival, could “stir up religious tension” and unleash a fresh reign of terror and intimidation in the Dangs, an impoverished region inhabited by tribals, some of whom are Christians.

The Shabri Kumbh Mela, which was held between February 11–13 and drew at least half a million Hindu pilgrims, has already struck fear in the hearts of the Christians who are living in Dangs.

According to BosNewsLife, two fact–finding teams dispatched by CSW could see the “the fear writ on the face of most of the Christians” they met.

The Shabri Kumbh Mela, organized by the Hindu right–wing organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates like the Hindu Jagran Manch and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, is openly being touted as a launch pad for its Hindutva campaign.

"The motives of this [festival] reek of rabid communalism and antipathy and physical hostility towards Christians. This area has been targeted by the Sangh Parivar for many years," CSW has quoted John Dayal, secretary general, AICC, as saying.

The Gujarat Government and local administration have openly pledged their support for the Hindu festival and besides diverting state funds for the festival, they have also allowed distributions of CDs and pamphlets containing inflammatory anti–Christian statements by the Hindu organizers, excusing it as “legitimate religious activities.”

The Shabri Mela is the brainchild of the organizers who claim that lord Ram met Shabri, a tribal woman who served him, at the location where the festival will be held. Last year, a Hindu temple was constructed in the honour of Shabri and near the temple, a slogan is etched on a stone that reads: “Our resolve is to free the world from the ideologies of conversions and jihad.”

There are more than 8,000 Christians living in the jungles of Dangs and some political parties say that under the protection of the Gujarat government, a massive “reconversion” campaign is going on.

The Sangh is equally vehement in their claims that missionaries force tribals in the area to convert to Christianity.

In 1998, communal violence broke out in Dangs region with Hindu extremists attacking and burning down several churches and Christian prayer halls across 25 villages in the area.

In Dangs, tribals comprise 92 per cent of the population while Christians are less than 5 per cent.