After converting a majority of tribal communities in Meghalaya, the Christian missionaries are targeting miniscule non-tribal communities in Shillong and other areas. According to a social activist, conversion activities among Bengali Hindus are rampant. Evangelists are pumping in huge funds for proselytisation.
The percentage of the Christian population in Meghalaya in 1901, 1951 (after independence), 1991 and 2011 is as follows: 6.16, 24.66, 64.58 and 83.30. The Christian population started showing a sudden surge post 1981. This gained pace after Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister. Records show that then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed certain restrictions on Christian evangelical organisations. In the three districts of East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills, the Christians formed 48.59 per cent, 55.93 per cent and 41.09 per cent, respectively.
Despite the onslaught of Christianity and Western civilization, Seng Khasis are putting up a spirited fight to preserve their faith and belief systems. However, they are fast losing out on the numbers. Compared to their Christian counterparts, Seng Khasis are facing severe social and economic infirmities. There is a demand for minority rights for Seng Khasis. The Centre should take initiatives to put in place institutional mechanisms to protect them and other vulnerable minority Hindu groups socially, culturally and economically.
Christianity has wiped out the whole way of life, customs and wisdom of the tribal communities. Missionaries have instigated the tribals in North East to demand a separate country. Former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who used to be a great admirer of missionaries, became a victim of their designs during his visit to the Naga Hills. Some Naga groups wanted to give a representation demanding separate independent Naga state. Authorities did not permit. As a protest, about 3,000 Nagas rose in a body and left the venue when Nehru was about to address the gathering. Nehru took it as a personal insult and said Christian missions in the country were playing a dirty anti-national game.
Discussion about this post