In Khandwa, Hindu extremists prevented a meeting organized by the diocese, saying they were transporting tribal minors “to convert them”. The Archbishop of Bhopal stated that “They come from families that have been Christian for several generations. Every religious denomination has the freedom to educate its young people.”
Khandwa () – In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the fury of Hindu extremists is even directed against children. Activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal – groups of the Hindu nationalist right – stopped a bus carrying tribal children to participate in a meeting organized at the Colegio San Pio in the diocese of Khandwa. The activists caused a great deal of confusion and intercepted the vehicle claiming that the minors were being taken to a religious conversion ceremony. Madhya Pradesh is one of the Hindu nationalist-ruled Indian states where anti-conversion laws are in force.
According to eyewitnesses, the blockade lasted a long time, until police and district officials were present at the scene. VHP local secretary Animesh Joshi said he had “received information that a group of tribal boys and girls were being taken for religious conversion”. The police recorded his statements, along with those of the school’s organizers and teachers. Meanwhile, Father José, the organizer of the initiative, said that only boys and girls who were already Christians attended and that attempts to obtain permission from the district administration to hold the event were unsuccessful.
From Khandwa, the diocesan administrator, Father Augustine Madathikunnel, explained that it was the annual meeting of the youth of the diocese and that it was due for three days until October 5. “Unfortunately,” he continued, “yesterday we had unexpected opposition from some elements, despite having delivered written information to the authorities well in advance. Thank God the children had the courage to face these intimidating situations. And since we have postponed the meeting, they were able to return home safe and sound.
For his part, the Archbishop of Bhopal, Msgr. Alangaram Arokia Sebastian Durairaj, who headed the diocese of Khandwa until last year, told : “I am very sorry: it was an annual event organized by young people, during the which receive professional orientation, education in values, cultural programs and other skills for their growth… Absolutely no conversion activity is being carried out; They all come from families that have been Christian for many generations. It is unfortunate that the training programs for our children are misunderstood: each religious denomination has the freedom to educate its own young people. Nothing illegal, much less criminal, was being done.”
