Some people in our country are pastmasters in teaching Geography by murder. Recently these classes were held in Kandhamal, economically the most backward district in Orissa. It was here that the fanatics had claimed that they were busy in laying the foundations of another Hindutva state after Gujarat, as was evident from the assertion of state convener of Bajrang Dal of Orissa in 2003.
RSS, BJP, VHP Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar outfits have a widespread network in 25 of 30 districts of the State. RSS has 6,000 shakhas with 1,50,000 participants; VHP has 1,25,000 primary workers and Bajrang Dal has 50,000 activists active in over 200 akharas. Durga Vahini, BJP Yuva Morcha, Mahila Morcha, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh and Bhratiya Kisan Sangh and several other Sangh outfits are alive, active and calling the shots. Especially after the formation of coalition government with BJP as partner, these outfits have got a boost. Dalits, Adivasis, Christians and Muslims are under great pressure. At present it is the Christian community which is at the receiving end. They form a meagre 2.44 per cent of population while Muslims are around 2 per cent. Due to sustained and well organised service activities and missionary work the Christian percentage in Kandhamal has gone up to 25 per cent. This raised the eyebrows of Hindutva brigade as they do not believe in peaceful coexistence or at least in peaceful competition. They want to prove that might is right or only what they think right is right. VHP launched a massive campaign to reconvert Christians to Hinduism. This is not only a religious war but has clear political remifications – not only a battle of hearts but for votes also. According to Sangh leaders, here the Christians are “conversion terrorists” and the Muslims infiltrators from Bangladesh. Therefore, their ire, from time to time, turns towards the miniscule Muslim community also. But at present the Christians, their churches and habitations are special targets. They have determined to do to Christians in East India what they did to Muslims in the Western State of Gujarat.
Surprisingly, Orissa was the first State in India which passed legislation to ban conversions, of course under the pretext of freedom of religion way back in 1967. This is being used to prohibit Christians, from embracing Christianity, while on the other hand, VHP has been given a clean chit to convert Christians to Hinduism in the name of Ghar Vapsi or homecoming. They openly organise functions in which thousands of Adivasis are converted to Hinduism and Christians are forcibly, in some cases even under threat of life, converted. The provisions of Anti Conversion law have never been used against VHP activists.
The recent bloodbath and widespread destruction of homes and properties was sparked after the gunning down of 81 years old RSS activist Swami Laxmananand Saraswati, who had been active in Kandhamal and adjoining districts for the last 45 years to stem the tide of Christianity. Militant Maoists have accepted the responsibility of the murder. But VHP leaders blamed Christians for this. This was a signal to start attacks on Christians. These killings and destruction have added further ignominy to India’s already tarnished name in the international circles. Even Pope has taken serious note of it.
The conditions in Kandhamal and atmosphere in Orissa is far from satisfactory and full of bad omens. Hindutva stalwarts have a definite agenda of teaching a lesson to all those who fail to fall in line. Unless these fascist trends are addressed and communal atmosphere is improved there cannot be permanent peace in Orissa. It appears to be in for more trouble and may remain a trouble spot.