Six held for Hindu-Christian clash in Bastar

The present controversy is rooted in an attempt by the right-wing groups to take these converted tribals to the Hindu fold.

Raipur:  Police arrested four Vishwa Hindu Parishad members and two Christians after Hindus and Christians violently clashed in Madhota village of Bastar district in Madhya Pradesh.

The VHP and Christians have accused each other for the violence when nearly two dozen people were injured in a clash between the communities Saturday night.

The present controversy is rooted in an attempt by the right-wing groups to take these converted tribals to the Hindu fold.

A fortnight ago, Bastar BJP MP Dinesh Kashyap had visited the area and initiated “ghar vapasi” (home coming) of neo-Christians.

Since then, the area has been simmering and the Bastar administration had called a meeting of both communities on Saturday when the clash took place.

“We were sitting outside our church when Dinesh Kashyap came with several persons and attacked us,” said Deva Madia, a converted Christian who is recovering at a hospital.

Kashyap admitted he led the event but denied he was present on the spot Saturday. “I am in Raipur. I am still to get details about the incident,” he told The Indian Express.

However, locals claimed his presence at the village.

Source: Indian Express