Kanker minorities on protest, submits memorandum

Serious questions on Kanker administration, religious minorities submitted memorandum with 5 point demands

By Naresh Bhimgaj

Kanker(Chhattiagarh): Religious minorities have strongly objected to the recent incidents related to the Christian community in the district. On Friday, a memorandum was submitted by a delegation to the Kanker District Magistrate, in which the community has demanded to protect the rights granted by the Constitution. 5 major issues have been raised in the memorandum which are related to administrative working style and religious freedom.

Jamgaon incident: Religious sentiments trampled?

The memorandum first mentions the Jamgaon incident, in which the body of a Christian man Somlal Rathod was buried on his legitimate land and then action was taken to remove it from the grave under alleged administrative pressure. The victims allege that the SDM, Tehsildar and DSP continuously pressurized the family of the deceased and the pastor of the church and even threatened to demolish the church.

Attack on church, administration silent?

The representatives alleged that some miscreants from the village attacked the church and the pastor’s house, threw away things and vandalised it – but the administration remained silent. The question raised is why no action has been taken against the culprits so far.

Durg station incident: Allegations of misbehaviour against women police
The memorandum also prominently raised the issue of arrest of two nuns at Durg railway station. It is alleged that the nuns were arrested on false charges under pressure from Bajrang Dal and a woman – Jyoti Sharma – publicly humiliated, abused and threatened the nuns. The representatives demanded that an FIR be registered against her under sections 504 and 506 of the IPC.

Demand for cemetery, objection to ‘entry banned’ board in Kudal village
The third and fourth points raised the issue of lack of burial space for the Christian community in the district and the ‘Christian community entry prohibited’ board installed in Kudal village. The representatives have demanded that 10 acres of land around Kanker be allotted for a cemetery and action be taken against the Sarpanch of Kudal Panchayat under PESA Act and Section 40 of Panchayati Raj Act.

False conversion allegations, demand for release of nuns

In the fifth point, the allegations levelled against the nuns arrested at Durg station have been termed as ‘false and fabricated’ and their immediate release has been demanded.

Evidence also submitted along with the memorandum

Pictures of the prohibitory board installed in Kudal village have also been attached with the memorandum. The representatives warned that if the administration does not take immediate cognizance of these serious issues, the community will be forced to launch a mass movement.