Christian bodies in Chhattisgarh have moved the
Bilaspur High Court against the ban on the entry of non-Hindu religious
missionaries in the State’s Bastar region.
In June,
over 50 Gram Panchayats in Bastar had passed orders under Section 129(G)
of the Chhattisgarh Panchayat Raj Act banning “all non-Hindu religious
propaganda, prayers and speeches in the villages.”
“The
High Court issued notices to the Chhattisgarh government and the Bastar
district collector on Monday over the petition filed by the
Chhattisgarh Christian Forum and the pastor of Sirisguda village in
Bastar. The court has given the authorities three weeks’ time to
respond,” said advocate N.L. Soni, who represented the Christian bodies
in court, speaking to The Hindu.
“Our main
contention is how anybody on Indian soil can refuse entry to Indians.
Nobody can stop the entry of religious missionaries under any law,” said
CCF president Arun Pannalal.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, however, has demanded strict implementation of the ban.
“We
welcome that they [Christian bodies] have moved court. They will accept
the law at least in this way. The ban was imposed by local Gram
Panchayats to protect their heritage and culture. I don’t think the
Christian bodies should have any problem with that,” said VHP Bastar
district president Suresh Yadav.
Mr. Yadav claimed
that 10 more Gram Panchayats in Bastar had passed the resolution under
the CPR Act in the last one month, the latest being Erikpal and Parapur
villages.
“Religious conversions are creating tension
in Bastar’s villages and if the villagers want to stop it using an Act,
then we support such efforts. The VHP’s role has only been in an
advisory capacity and it will continue its work around people’s
awareness,” said Mr. Yadav, adding that VHP office-bearers would meet
the Governor and the Chief Minister to seek strict implementation of the
ban.
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