Jagdalpur: Issue of conversion has once again surfaced in Bastar region. Tokapal and Lohandiguda areas of Jagdalpur district are once again witnessing a boil over religious conversions. After passing a decision in the Gram Sabha, hundreds of villagers reached the collectorate to hand over the memorandum of 17 points to the collector.
Through the memorandum the villagers demanded stringent action against those who propagate religion. The special Gram Sabha held at Baraarapur in Tokapal block, was by members of Patel, Gaita, Pujari, Perma community, Kotwars and a large number of villagers.
Expressing displeasure over the conversions being done by members of the Christian community, in the special Gram Sabha, a resolution has been passed that if the followers of this religion die, then land will be allotted for burial in the entire area. Along with this, the Gram Sabha also has the right to punish those who come to propagate religion. In such a situation, if a law and order situation arises, then the people of the area should not be held responsible for it.
It may be mentioned that opposition to religious conversion has been done several times in the past also. On the basis of the points passed by the villagers in the special gram sabha Administrative officers are reported taking decisions as per the status quo after scrutinizing them. It is notable that even before this, the situation has worsened many times in Tokapal and Lohandiguda areas due to conversion.