Hindu outfit opposes Christian as Chattisgarh chief secretary

A Christian being appointed as the chief secretary of Chattisgarh state has provoked strong reaction from Hindu groups in the BJP ruled state.

Parambath Joy Oommen, a Christian from Kerala, was appointed as the new chief secretary of the state. However, Dharma Sena, a Hindu radical group involved in anti–conversion campaigns in the country protested, “the appointment has come at a wrong time.”

The Hindu organisation, which instigated several attacks on Christian missionaries and Church run schools, allege that the tribal regions of the state are witnessing "rampant religious conversions" and hence the appointment must be revoked.

However, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has not shown any interest over the appointment. VHP state president Ramesh Modi told TOI, "Religion is not an issue in the bureaucracy and the organisation has never interfered in such matters."

Modi said VHP's objective is to create awareness among Hindus. He said that while conversion is a social problem, VHP does not believe that bureaucrats have any role in such matters.

Earlier this year, a dozen of people were injured when more than 200 workers of Dharmasena attacked a missionary camp in Dhamtari district.

Christians are unwilling to speak out against the Dharmasena as they fear any such "provocation" would adversely affect their educational and other service
institutions.