Village Assembly in Jharkhand Bans Entry of Christian Clergy

Gumla, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : In Gumla, Jharkhand, a village assembly meeting in Kobja has resulted in a collective decision to bar Christian pastors and clergy from entering the area. This decision was marked by the installation of a permanent banner in the village. The assembly saw significant participation from both men and women, including IRS officer Nisha Uraon, who was present alongside the tribal community members.

Residents expressed concerns that conversion activities were threatening their traditional culture and religious identity. The villagers argued that the presence of outside religious leaders was challenging the Sarna community’s efforts to preserve their customs. This prompted the assembly to take a united stand against such influences.

Nisha Uraon highlighted that conversion remains a pressing issue for the Sarna tribal community. She noted that the region falls under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, where the PESA Act is applicable. According to her, this law grants the village assembly various rights, and she urged residents to understand their entitlements and the assembly’s role.

Utilizing these rights, the assembly resolved to prohibit the entry of Christian pastors and clergy. Following the meeting, Uraon and the villagers collaborated to display the ban banner throughout the village.

Participants declared their commitment to keeping Christian leaders out of the community. Bishu Uraon, a member of the Sarna tribal community, voiced that conversion activities were undermining their cultural identity. This collective decision stemmed from their shared concerns.

Additionally, a local woman raised alarms about attempts to establish a church in the village, further intensifying worries about their cultural identity and existence. However, there has been no official response from the administration regarding the assembly’s decision or the ban on Christian clergy.