A case involving the unlawful occupation of tribal land and the construction of a church has surfaced in Surat, Gujarat. The locals of Vahar village in Umarpada have strongly resisted the new development and asserted that no permission was acquired for the building. According to reports, members of the tribal community contend that this is also encouraging religious conversion activities in the region.
Those who oppose the construction said that the conversions are being incentivised and are part of a conspiracy to undermine traditional culture and practices. A member of the tribal community 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,” reported Desh Gujarat.
According to Dev Birsa Sena leaders, the construction violates Sections 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), 2(d), 2(f), 4(i), 4(c) and other provisions of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act. They have demanded an immediate halt to the construction of the Church in their petition.
The person further remarked, “But what is happening now is that large churches are being built inside Adivasi areas, and illegal gatherings are being organised. 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 called for action against the pastor of the Christian organisation implicated in the illegal construction and have submitted a memorandum to the Mamlatdar of Umarpada.
