Surat: Members of the Adivasi community staged a protest against the alleged illegal construction of a church on Adivasi land. The dispute has arisen in Vahar village of Umarpada, where local residents are strongly opposing the ongoing construction.

The protesting community members submitted a memorandum to the Mamlatdar of Umarpada, seeking immediate intervention.

According to the villagers, the church is being built without any official permission. They further allege that the structure is being used to facilitate religious conversion activities in the area.

Protesters claim that attempts are being made to influence the innocent Adivasi population through various lures and enticements. They believe this is part of a larger conspiracy aimed at eroding their traditional culture and practices.

One of the community members stated, “Our Adivasi community has, since ancient times, worshipped Nagdev, Gowaldev, Waghdev, and other deities, and has followed traditions of worshipping trees, stones, and rivers. These customs and practices have continued in our community since time immemorial. But what is happening now is that large churches are being built inside Adivasi areas, and illegal gatherings are being organized. By offering temptations and inducements, our innocent Adivasi people are being converted, and this conspiracy is aimed at destroying our Adivasi culture. This is our pain, and today we have submitted a memorandum to the Mamlatdar regarding this.”

The villagers have demanded action against the pastor of the Christian organization involved in the alleged illegal construction. DeshGujarat