Socially active Christians vital to defend tribal rights

Church has been urged to encourage socially active Christians who can defend the rights of tribal communities in India that are systematically trampled upon.

A seminar attended by pastors and leaders of five different tribal communities last week in West Bengal underlined the need for Christians to be transforming agents, protecting the rights of tribals and taking a sustainable development approach for development.

The two-day seminar was on the subject "Sustainable Development and Dignity of Life for the Tribal/Adivasi Community" and was organised by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

Over 70 participants, mainly tribal leaders of Shantal, Mundal, Oraon, Rajbanshis and Rabha community, delved into the crises faced by tribal communities.

"Multinational corporations have taken exploitative, destructive and oppressive strategies against the rights of the tribal community and their lands in India," says Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, secretary of the Commission on Tribals, NCCI.

Chhungi urges Christians to be on their guard in order to protect the tribals' rights and lands from exploitative development policies.

She advocated the participants in the seminar to be engaged in sustainable development policies and take best advantage of the positive policies offered by the Government of India under various schemes.

The two-day seminar also discussed "Community Health and Life", including common illness such as TB, skin allergy, malaria and others.

"Access to government health scheme, education and communication facilities was discussed and the participants shared their extreme ignorance on these issues due to lack of education and access to information," said Chhungi.

In Jalpaguri district of North Bengal, which is home to over 11 tribal groups, there is just one health care center for the whole population. There is also lack of access to better educational facilities and job opportunities.

Chhungi exhorts Church to empower these tribal communities by understanding and helping their needs. "Church must offer care and comfort to the tribals when it is needed most," she said.