Christians form 130-km-long human chain to protest anti-Christian remarks
Jashpur MLA Bhagat allegedly made offensive remarks about Jesus Christ and conversions in her public speech. In response, Christians in Chhattisgarh formed a 130-km-long human chain last Thursday.
Following Bhagat’s speech on the 1st of September, a video went viral, and several Christians submitted complaints about it to local authorities. They claimed that the anti-Christian derogatory remarks deliberately infuriated tensions between Hindus and Christians.
According to Christian Adivasi Mahasabha state president Anil Kumar Kispotta, protesters peacefully linked hands from Pathalgaon to Lodum along the Katni-Gumla highway against Jashpur MLA Bhagat. Kispotta stated: “There is huge resentment among Christians due to Bhagat’s remarks. However, the police have not taken any action. We staged a peaceful protest with a human chain today. But we will not shy away from action like road blockades if the police continue to not take action against the MLA.”
Bhagat insisted demonstrators must show “valid certificates” to prove they are Christians: “Before 1905, there was not a single Christian family in Jashpur. Later, several families were converted to Christianity through forgery. There is a legal procedure for conversion, which requires submitting an application to the authority. Those who staged the protest on Thursday should first show their valid certificate about converting to Christianity.” She said she intended to raise awareness of conversions accomplished via forgery.
Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum and creator of the Sarv Adi Dal – a Christian political party – called for the termination of Bhagat’s parliamentary membership because her speech violated her oath to protect India’s Constitution. Bhagat claimed she had belonged to a Hindu tribe. According to Pannalal, tribal communities and the Supreme Court think that tribal Sarna is a religion-less association. Therefore, Bhagat’s anti-constitutional speech violates the Supreme Court’s league.
Source: https://www.persecution.org