Thousands of tribal Indians gathered in New Delhi at the end of May to demand the delisting of tribal converts, including those who have chosen to follow Jesus – seemingly part of a forming pattern of intensifying hostility towards tribal Christians. Please pray.
Nearly 150,000 tribal Indians gathered on 24 May at the Red Fort ground, New Delhi, to call for the removal of converted tribal Christians and Muslims from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Tribal Indians, both Hindu and those of other religions, are listed in this category, but those who have converted from Hinduism also qualify for government benefits available to minorities.
Representatives from more than 550 tribal groups in different states came together in traditional attire to celebrate their tribal identity – marching, waving flags and promoting the theme: “Tu Main Ek Rakt – Vanvasi, Gramvasi, Nagarvasi, Hum Sab Bharatvasi,” meaning, “You and I are one blood; forest dwellers, villagers, city dwellers, we are all Indians.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present with other Chief Ministers. In a statement, Shah made clear the priority of preserving the original Hindu faith of tribal Indians, emphasising that the state constitution gives every person the right to practise their original religion and should not be forced to convert to another.
Whilst coming together to promote tribal traditions, the protesters also had the specific demand of a constitutional amendment to Article 342. This article defines the provisions for identifying Scheduled Tribes in different states. The proposed amendment would delist tribal Indians who have converted to other religions from this category, securing reservation benefits for those who follow traditional tribal customs.
A clear message
“One thing that clearly stood out was the tension and resentment expressed toward tribal Christians.”
Sushmita Verma
Despite the positive promotion of tribal identity, the message that came with it was clear. Sushmita Verma*, a local partner of Open Doors, notes, “In most of the conversations with different participants, one thing that clearly stood out was the tension and resentment expressed toward tribal Christians.”
The protests form a pattern with other recent troubling events where Christians in different states like Chhattisgarh have been subjected to escalating aggression, discrimination and forced reconversion to Hinduism.
Verma continues, “The tribals echoed strongly saying that ‘We are tribal Hindus, and we will remain tribal Hindus.’”
One individual with whom Verma spoke shared that some from the younger generations have been drifting from tribal customs because of the influence of those converting to other religions. Such sentiments seem to have intensified the need to protect traditional identity and heritage felt by some tribes. However, with this feeling has come harshening treatment of Christians.
“Several such gatherings are taking place in India to promote tribal culture,” Verma explains, “but at the same time it is inducing hatred and anger towards tribal convert Christians. The pressure is mounting on tribal Christians to be delisted from the Scheduled Tribe status and withhold from them government benefits and policies that tribals are entitled to.”
Your prayers needed
In an increasingly fraught climate for many believers in certain states, your prayers are essential.
“Tribal Christians are being pressured and threatened to reconvert to their old tribal faith.”
Sushmita Verma
“Tribal Christians in India need your prayers,” Verma says. “They are being pressured and threatened to reconvert to their old tribal faith or face isolation, excommunication or unemployment. States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand have reported incidents of physical attacks, threats and reconversions in the past several months. Pray that God would give these tribal Christians the strength to face opposition and experience comfort and peace during these challenges and helpless situations.”
*Name changed for security reasons