RSS Sees Naxal-Missionary Nexus

NEW DELHI: The RSS’ Hindi mouthpiece, Panchjanya, has alleged that Maoists and missionaries are in hand glove with each other for converting the tribals in Chattisgarh’s Abhujhmad area into Christianity and that funds for this purpose come from Kerala.

In an editorial in its latest issue, Panchjanya said the Christian missionaries were luring “unsuspecting” tribals into their fold promising a better future, money and treatment of ailments.

The editorial referred to former Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh’s January 2012 statement cautioning a Catholic NGO against “crossing the line” while doing development work in the area.

The weekly carries a cover story about the conversion done by missionaries in the tribal areas of the Maoism-affected state. It claimed that the people of the area were living under the fear of Maoists on one hand and missionaries and on the other.

The article also cites figures to suggest that the tribal population was going down in several areas “as many villages have overwhelmingly been converted”. The weekly alleged that the missionaries were specifically targeting young tribal women for conversion.

“They hunt women in the age group of 15-20 years. Illiteracy, poverty and lack of medical help force these girls to convert. These girls are easier to ensnare. Many women are victims of human trafficking. Even young boys are induced with a promise of a lavish life as they are taken on tours across the country,” the article said, adding that money for conversion activities came from Kerala.

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The New Indian Express
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