Indian Tribal News Service
Bhopal/New Delhi
In yet another incident of alleged conversion of tribals into Christianity in Madhya Pradesh, a pastor and two other persons were arrested on Monday for allegedly trying to convert a tribal man in Jhabua. The local diocese, however, denied the allegations and called them a smear campaign.
Pastor Jam Singh (45), and two people, identified as An Singh Ninama (35) and Mangu Bhuria (42), were arrested on the complaint of Tetia Bariya (26), who has claimed they tried to convert him to Christianity on Sunday, Kalyanpura police station in charge Dinesh Rawat said, as reported by news agency PTI.
“Bariya has claimed he was invited to a prayer house by the three on Sunday, where water was sprinkled on him and the Bible was read. Bariya has also alleged the three told him his family would get free health and education facilities post conversion. He, however, left the place,” Rawat is quoted having said.
Singh, Ninama and Bhuria have been charged under the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 2021, that came into effect in February this year.
The Jhabua Shalom Diocese (Pentecostal) Auxiliary Bishop Reverend Paul Muniya, however, told the news agency that a smear campaign was being run in tribal dominated areas to defame Christians on the false pretext of conversion.
“The campaign is aimed at political gains. Some organisations are dividing the tribals. Our pastor and two believers, all three of them Christian tribals, have not indulged in any attempt to convert, allure any person to our faith. We are praying to God to forgive our tormentors,” he said.
