Tribal Christians from Bastar villages refuse to return home following recent spate of attacks

Observers say that the violence in Bastar is a battle over culture and the pushback to missionaries is happening in a more organised manner

The reluctance of the families of Reshma Korram (33) and Rupji Salam (29) to return home offers a glimpse of an edgy recent past and an uncertain future. 

Among the many tribal Christian families who fled from over a dozen villages in Narayanpur after they were attacked by assailants between December 16 and 18, Ms. Korram and Mr. Salam have been camping at an indoor stadium in the district headquarters when they spoke to The Hindu over the phone late last week. The assurances provided by the administration had little impact. 

The attacks on Christians, allege affected families, were coordinated and the handiwork of fellow tribal villagers at the behest of right wing groups. They describe it as the latest chapter in the rise of violent incidents over the politically sensitive subject of religious conversions in Narayanpur, 350 km south of capital Raipur, and other districts of the Bastar region. 

“We were attacked because of our faith. Since the past year-and-a-half, my family has embraced Christianity, which many in the village don’t like. When I was attacked, the village Patel (priest) was among the attackers and they asked me why was I reluctant to live harmoniously, to which I replied that I was not harming anybody and was free to profess any faith I wished to,” Mr. Salam, a farmer, said. 

Observers say that the recent spate of violence in Bastar is a battle over culture and the pushback to missionaries is happening in a more organised manner. While missionaries have been preaching in the interior region for decades, a newfound tribal consciousness about identity has led to a broader resistance. 

According to Manoj Pandey, a filmmaker who has been documenting the Bastar region for the past two decades, education and impact of digitisation has also led to a stronger response from fellow tribals. 

“Bastar is home to tribes such as Gonds, Muria and Halba who are scattered in different pockets. On the one hand, there are those who fear that any change which a different faith brings, would lead to old customs dying and may even invite the wrath of their deities. On the other, there are many who have received education and have a newfound consciousness towards their identity and customs. Digital medium has led to better information sharing and such content also encourage backlash,” says Mr. Pandey.