Tension Mounts in Odisha's Nabarangpur District Over Alleged Harassment of Christian Community
Tension has escalated in Kapena village, located in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha, following reports that members of the Christian community were allegedly harassed, assaulted, and prevented from conducting their prayer services. This incident has sparked concerns over religious harmony and safety in the region.
Background of the Incident
Earlier, on January 25, a group of miscreants reportedly disrupted a prayer service and issued warnings to nearly 30 tribal Christian families, urging them to renounce their faith. The victims have claimed that the group used loudspeakers to threaten them, stating that the church would be demolished and the families would be expelled from the village if they continued their religious practices.
"When the devotees questioned why they should stop praying, the accused locked the church from outside and forced everyone to leave," alleged Tuna Santa, a local resident, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Recent Assaults and Police Response
On Monday, the tension intensified when two youths from the Christian community, Jaladhar Santa (17) and Mohan Santa (20), were allegedly assaulted by a mob. In response, community members submitted a complaint at the local Umerkote police station.
However, police officials acknowledged that tension had been prevailing between two groups in the village and confirmed that security personnel had been deployed to manage the situation. "We are yet to receive any complaint on the issue, but after learning about the incident, adequate police have been deployed to contain the situation," said Ramakanta Sai, the Inspector-in-Charge of Umerkote police station.
Peace Committee Formed to Restore Normalcy
Nabarangpur collector Maheswar Swain stated that a peace committee, comprising members from both groups, had been formed to address the conflict. A meeting was held in the village under the supervision of the sub-collector of Nabarangpur, Prakash Kumar Mishra, aimed at restoring normalcy.
According to the collector, the dispute partly stemmed from a house constructed on encroached land, with a section of villagers objecting when part of it was used as a prayer hall. "As per the peace committee's decision, 15 days' time has been given to relocate the prayer hall and to both groups to resolve the issue and live in harmony as they did earlier," the collector informed, emphasizing efforts towards a peaceful resolution.
Broader Context and Concerns
This incident occurs just days after a pastor was allegedly assaulted and harassed in public for conducting prayers in a village of Dhenkanal district, raising broader concerns about religious freedom in Odisha. Pallav Lima, general secretary of the Rashtriya Christian Morcha, Odisha wing, expressed that these incidents appear to be deliberately provocative and a calculated attempt at polarisation.
"In Nabarangpur's case, tribals are being used against tribals," he remarked, pointing to underlying social dynamics that may be exacerbating the conflict.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all community members and fostering a peaceful coexistence in the village. The deployment of police and the formation of the peace committee are seen as critical steps towards de-escalating the tension and addressing the grievances of those affected.
