An avid reader of Tuglak weekly, I usually read articles that are not hardcore politics-based. That said, i usually read articles by Mr S Gurumurthy who never fails to amaze me with his words of wisdom. Well, one topic that i recently read about and happens to be a hot one is the Kandhamal issue. I am not actually going to voice out my opinion. I have decided to translate the Tamil version of the articles and do what i can, to help people realize the truth.
Kandhamal , a district in Orissa has become infamous after the chain of incidents that have taken place. It is believed by the masses that Hindu fanatics have massacred innocent Christians. Hindu fanatics here refers to the VHP and Sangh Parivar . While this is not totally untrue, it’s difficult emphasizing which part of the story is incorrect.
The whole issue began with the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda and his four disciples. Houses and many sacred places were destroyed. But these were not aimed at Christian missionaries alone. Sadly, people all over the world believe that the spurious information is true.
The riot is not only because of the clash between the two religions.Well, religion is involved, yes, but there is this most significant reason that is conspirative.
The Reason:
There are two different communities in Kandhamal namely Kandh and Bana. The principle reason behind the riots is the continuous clash between the two tribes over several issues. The Kandh sect belongs to the ST community and the Bana, SC. 80% of the tribal people in the Bana sect have converted to Christianity. According to the Indian law, if SC people convert to Christianity, they won’t get reservation facilities. On the other hand, if ST people convert, they will have reservations. The Bana community, with the help of parties like Congress, want to be given the ST status to make use of the Reservation. This is opposed severely by the Kandh community.
Swami Lakshmanananda , who acted as a bridge between the two communities, was killed to invoke a riot between the two tribes. His murder was an opportunity for those who wanted what is happening right now, to happen.
The Clash between the Kandh and Bana communities has been taking place for a long time, even before the advent of VHP and Sangh Parivar. To cite an example, such a vociferous riot took place for about 3 months and 20 tribals were reportedly killed.Only then did the VHP and Sangh Parivar start their work.
At this juncture, Christian missionaries started their work and converted almost all the people. In 1961, the Christian population was 19, 128 and in 2001, 1,17,757. This provoked Swami Lakshmanananda and the VHP. Well, the main reason behind the riots is the increase in the conversion rate. This further led to clashes between the Hindu and Christian religions.
In the next part you’ll read many interesting facts that will make you think and come to a proper conclusion.
Voice out your opinion on this issue and spread this information to as many as you can:Let the truth win!
Image Credit: Flickr
“The Bana community, with the help of parties like Congress, want to be given the ST status to make use of the Reservation.”
— A body of a billion people ruled by an Italian and a Surd…
“At this juncture, Christian missionaries started their work and converted almost all the people. In 1961, the Christian population was 19, 128 and in 2001, 1,17,757.”
Reminds me of all the conversions my priests do in AoE! LoL!
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From what I gather, Swami Lakshmananda tried to wean the tribals from forced conversion; and was quite successful at it. Maoists, et al have no use for a happy tribal. So, they were left with but one option- liquidate him.
Well, I guess I will delve deeper into it after reading the other parts.
In the meanwhile… What do you make of these forced conversions? Proselytism… In His words, Christ said we are the “sheep”; and these tribals et al are very much gullible. With ‘heavenly’ promises in the offing, they are easily led in by the ‘good/bad/whatever shepherds’.
And of the killings…? Hmmm… I took part in discussions with other people. The statements may sound crazy; but here goes. Food for thought, anyway!
Man is on top of the food chain. And so, man-killing-man does not come as a surprise. For pro/re-creation, there has to be annihilation. He begins to act as his own predator. May be that accounts for terrorism too, in some way…
Ah well… My take on the ‘Religion’ factor…
http://kartzonline.blogspot.com/2008/09/religion.html
http://kartzonline.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-is.html
They are not related to this issue (Kandhamal)… Just my thoughts. Would like your opinion.
Peace, and have a nice day.
Karthik, i intend to write a long comment for this but can’t. Academics ruin my fun!Believe me, i really wan to type stuff, big stuff, but not NOW. Just give me some time!:(
Of course, milady… But, of course.
I wish you well in your enterprise. Peace.
Boo!
I didn’t know you had this other blog!
Had a heart attack when I visited the usual one and found you gone
@Mac,
Hiya Wise one, almost missed ya!;)
Well, this was actually intended to be a group blog, but somehow things got mixed up! OMG!Did you say you had a heart ache?Oh no, that’s sad! Read this blog when you are in a perfect health condition. Not like this!
Firstly, it is not Bana but Pana community, which are not the original inhabitants of Kandhamal, but settled down in the area. Most of them have been converted to Chistianity long back, but still availing the SC quota under various Govt. Scemes. They have improved financially because of the selective beneficiary programmes of the Missionaries, and thus are benefited from both sides- Govt. and Chistian Missionaries. This is the main cause of conflict. Also, the missionaries have been taught them to slaughter cows in front of the tribals, only to show their faith to Chistianity and this create further divide among the people. This will not stop until unless all missionaries of the district will thrown out of the area and Govt. will start effective programmes for scrutinizations of illigals done by missionaries.
Guru Prasad
Orissa
@Guru Prasad –
First of all, I really appreciate the fact that you have stopped by to have your say here, that too, the truth! Thanks a bunch!
Well, I am sorry, I did not actually know. It was a translation. I shall correct it immediately! Thanks for the mention!
It’s with such alarm and displeasure that i am reading your comment. Why would people stoop such low for spreading a religion?
I sincerely wish the present condition changes and people realise the truth.
there is instant need of these eyeopening issues.many of people who dont know the whole thing jus go by highlights and thus are under high misconceptions
hats off to your action!!!!
@Shalini Rai –
Thanks a bunch, Shalini! Comments like yours keep me going! I appreciate your stopping by to have your say!
government should ban the religion tranfer and educate people of small tribes to overcome with this type of problem
Dear some
Make your presentation broadly and Impartial .dont be consentrate in one situation traditional opinion! Because Still our Nation has go ahead !