Chhattisgarh: Dilip Singh Judeo dividing tribals and Christians

(The Telegraph
May 29, 2006)

Cardinal slams Judeo
OUR CORRESPONDENT

Ranchi, May 28: Church leaders today accused Chhattisgarh M.P. Dilip Singh Judeo of dividing tribals and Christians.

“He is just out to turn Jharkhand into another Gujarat,” said Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo of Judeo, a graduate of St Xavier’s College, Ranchi.

The cardinal’s comments came as he tried to quell panic among those who had flocked to the Archbishop House on Purulia Road in Ranchi.

Judeo, who is not a tribal, presided over a “home coming” ceremony at Mahilong near Ranchi where 150 tribals were re-converted to the Sarna faith from Christianity. Judeo had said that such ceremonies needed to be organised more frequently. This comment had sparked fears among the Christian community.

“We do not indulge in forced conversions of innocent people. Have faith in God and truth shall prevail,” said Toppo to The Telegraph.

His deputy, auxiliary bishop Vincent Barwa sought to dismiss the Mahilong incident as a gimmick to divert attention from issues such as poverty and illiteracy.