Indian right-wing group converts 53 families in campaign to make entire block 'Christianity-free'

An Indian right-wing group has converted 53 families in five tribal dominated villages to Hinduism as part of its campaign to make the entire block of Arki in the state of Jharkhand "Christianity-free."

The group known as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has recently launched its proselytizing campaign known as Ghar Wapsi, the Hindi word for homecoming, in an attempt to bring non-Hindus "back into the fold of Hinduism."

At least 53 families have been converted in the past month, and on April 7, at least seven Christian families underwent a Shuddhikaran, or purification ceremony, in Kochasindhri village, according to Hindustan Times.

The families live in villages that are part of the Sindri panchayat, which the RSS claimed has been "hijacked" by Christian missionaries in the past decade.

"You cannot call it conversion. We are only bringing our lost brothers and sisters back to their religion," said RSS Saiyojak Laxman Singh Munda, who is spearheading the campaign.

"We want a Christianity-free block. The villagers will soon return to their roots," Munda added.

RSS workers reportedly went house to house to convince the tribals to convert and held public meetings to "expose" how they are being taken away from their roots.

Dashrath Munda, head of one of the families that attended the April 7 ceremony, attested that the RSS did not force the new converts but, in fact, instilled the importance of sticking to their roots.

"Nobody was forced. Some of the families refused to get converted and were not included in the ceremony," said Dashrath.

Tribals comprise about 26 percent of Jharkhand's population of 33 million. Several tribals in the state have embraced Christianity over the years. About 4.5 of the tribals are Christians while the remaining ones adhere to the Sarna code.

Bandhan Tigga, a Sarna Dharamguru (faith leader), said that the RSS is concerned that the tribals could pose a threat to Hinduism if they convert to Christianity.

The Sarna tribe, which worships Mother Nature, are recognized as Hindus in the census and other socio-economic surveys, but it has been petitioning the government to be recognized as a separate faith.

Activist Father Sten Swamy said that the practice of Ghar Wapsi was wrong as the tribals were not Hindus.

"If at all this is happening, the tribals are being wronged since they are not Hindus. So, there is no question of ghar wapsi," said Swamy.

The RSS and its affiliates have been accused of forcing people into changing their religion. In 2014, mass reconversions sparked controversy after rightwing groups were accused of intimidating and threatening minority communities.