Bhopal: A Christian organisation here on Tuesday
demanded stopping distribution of pamphlets portraying the
community in poor light in Mandla, where a three-day Hindu
Samajik Kumbh will begin on February 10.
"We fear that the distribution of pamphlets may trigger
off another Kandhamal like situation in the tribal-dominated
Mandla," Madhya Pradesh Isai Mahasangh convenor Father Anand
Muttungal told reporters here.
He also objected to the distribution of declaration
forms ahead of the Kumbh among the tribals with the intention
to convert them to Hinduism which he said was against Madhya
Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act.
"We welcome the Kumbh but want that anti-Christian
literature including that against Mother Teresa should be
banned and seized to ensure that no tension is caused among
the two communities," he said.
Muttungal said that they wanted to put up a medical
health services camp at the Khumb, adding, the Christians have
organised such camps in Hindu gatherings in the past in
Madhya Pradesh.
In the prelude to the Kumbh, Muttungal said that
declaration forms were being distributed among the tribals to
convert them to Hinduism.
He contended that to change religion, one has to seek
permission from the Collector according to the Madhya Pradesh
Freedom of Religion Act which was not being done.
"We fear Kandhamal like situation (communal violence
in Orissa couple of years before where Christians suffered
heavily) may arise due to the inflammatory pamphlets being
distributed in Mandla," Muttungal said showing the copies of
the literature and religion conversion declaration forms to
the press.
"We are a soft target. We don't indulge in violence.
We believe in tolerance. We are against violence and will
remain so,” he said.
"We have already informed the concerned authorities
and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan about the fear
prevailing among our community members because of literature
being distributed against our community," Muttungal said.
The Khumbh is being organised by some Hindu
organisations of Sangh Parivar, sources said.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 08, 2011, 20:45