Community leader says VHP workers attacking Christians, will move High Court against ban.
Christians in Chhattisgarh have accused iron ore mafia behind the recent ban on non-Hindu missionaries in the five tribal villages of Bastar.
Recently, gram sabhas of the villages passed orders under the Panchayat Act prohibiting non-Hindus from practising religious activities and prayers in their villages. While various Christian bodies have condemned the act, local Christians claimed that it is a systematic ploy by mining barons to clear the area, muffle the dissent and hand it over to the miners.
“The real reason behind the ban is iron ore. This region is rich in iron ore, and some local mafias want to evict people who are aware of the issue and can stall the mining,” Arun Pannalal, president Chhattisgarh Christian Forum told The Indian Express.