Tribals burn Catholic cardinal's effigy in Jharkhand

A tribal group has reportedly burned an effigy of Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo and has shouted slogans against political leaders in Jharkhand in protest against the decision by the state government to remove religion from tribal people's caste certificates.

According to the Adivasi Prarthana Sabha (Tribal Prayer Council), the certificate was necessary for obtaining benefits such as free education and government job quotas, which the Indian Constitution guarantees to tribal people and former untouchable castes.

Some tribal leaders have alleged that Cardinal Toppo, the first tribal cardinal from Asia, had persuaded the present government to remove the column on religion from the application form for the certificate. The column was inserted in 2003 by the previous government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

According to information obtained by Christian Today, about 400 protesters marched on January 25, in Ranchi, the state capital, burning effigies of Cardinal Toppo, Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda and Christian members of his government.

The Adivasi Prarthana Sabha, which is affiliated with Vanvasi Kalyan Kendra (VKK or Center for the Welfare of Forest Dwellers), a radical Hindu group, had organized a similar protest three days later in Chanho, near Ranchi, sources close to the development said.

Shouting anti–Christian slogans, the protestors marched in the streets carrying placards that read: "Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo go back to Rome."

Addressing the rally, Ajay Tirkey, convener of the group, called the cardinal "the biggest enemy" of the tribals who followed their traditional religion.

According to Tirkey, the Vatican had mandated Cardinal Toppo to convert tribal people "in a big number" and turn Jharkhand into a Christian–majority state. "That's why Toppo was made a cardinal," he added.

Tirkey also launched a tirade against the Chief Minister, saying that he obeyed the cardinal "just to save his government" and gain vote–banks.

Though the Chief Minister himself belonged to the tribal community, he removed the column on religion "because the cardinal wanted him to do so," Tirkey said, adding that the decision would benefit 1 million Christians at the expense of 8 million tribals. The state has 27 million people.

Tirkey has vowed to organize statewide protests. "We are ready to do or die but not ready to let Christians take our share," he said.

At the rally, Sanjay Kujur, district president of Hindu right–wing outfit, the Hindu Jagran Manch (Hindu Awakening Council), used expletives while accusing the Church of ruling Jharkhand and the government of being its slave.

Kujur has warned both the church and the government of "dire consequences" if the religion column is not re–inserted.

Cardinal Toppo, who was in Rome when the protests took place, refused to comment when contacted.