Tribals rally against illegal churches, religious conversions

A rally was organized in southern Gujarat’s Tapi town yesterday to protest illegal churches and religious conversion in this tribal district.

Dharma Raksha Samiti, a group that organized the rally submitted memorandum to district collector stating that illegal churches have come up across Tapi district in the name of ‘Prarthana Ghar’. Samiti further states that such churches have become cause of tension in villages. Tension and clashes were witnessed in Singpur(Songadh) and Sakarda(Uchchal) due to illegal churches. According to Samiti, even after complaints are filed by locals, the district administration doesn’t do concrete step on ground.

Dharma Raksha Samiti stated in its memorandum that “as per the law of the land, any convert must inform district magistrate about his decision to accept new faith within 10 days of conversion, also as per the law convert has to seek permission of district magistrate. However this law is completely disobeyed.”

Dharma Raksha Samiti also sought details from district administration such as number of religious conversions that took place, number of approved churches, and number of illegal churches that are operating without permission.

Large number of tribal from Vyara, Songadh, Uchchal and Nizar talukas participated in the rally.