Ghar Wapasi in Jharkhand? RSS Converts 53 Families

In a major instance of Ghar Wapasi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has converted 53 families across five tribal-dominated villages in Jharkhand’s Arki block as part of a ‘Christian-free block’ campaign. The families are part of the Sindri panchayat, which the RSS has alleged has been ‘hijacked’ by Christian missionaries over the past decade. The RSS has said that the campaign would continue through April.

RSS Saiyojak Laxman Singh Munda, who is spearheading the campaign has said that the tribals were lured into Christianity by missionaries. Around seven families underwent a Shuddhikaran or a purification ceremony on 7 April.

Around 26.2 per cent of Jharkhand’s population of 33 million are tribals. Of these tribals, 4.5 per cent are Christians while the rest are followers of the Sarna code. Over the last few decades, several tribals in the state have converted to Christianity.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has warned of strict action against those who force tribals to convert. The RSS has claimed that they didn’t force anyone to convert, but merely emphasised on the importance of sticking to ones roots.