Tribal Vs Tribal

South Chhattisgarh, often in the news for Left-wing extremism linked violence, has been rocked by a series of communal incidents in the past three weeks.

- Rahul Noronha

Tribal Hindus have allegedly attacked tribal Christian converts in the Narayanpur and Kondagaon districts of the state, with hundreds of tribal Christians being forced to flee their native village homes. Call it an ethnic conflict with a twist because, in many cases, members of the two sides are related to each other. What has led to a situation wherein tribal has turned against tribal? The ruling Congress blames the BJP for attempting to sow discord, even as the latter calls the attacks 'spontaneous'.

In the latest incident on January 2, a protest called by tribal Hindus after a minor altercation involving Christians-which was led by Roop Singh Salam, the BJP Narayanpur district president turned violent. The protesters vandalised a church and attacked superintendent of police Sadanand Kumar, resulting in injuries to his head. Some other policemen were injured too. A total of 15 people have been arrested from both sides, including Salam.