Raipur: A tug of war escalated between the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel and Governor Anusuiya Uikey over the forceful religious conversion of tribal girls in the state.
Uikey, who was at an event in the tribal region of Dantewada, on Wednesday, said that indigenous community frequently come before her seeking intervention into the forceful conversion of the tribal girls in exchange for hefty money and luxury items
"Numerous people of Dantewada reach to my office seeking intervention in the forceful marriage of tribal girls. People from other states contact the tribal girl for marriage. Their main aim is not to marry any girl, but to buy the land of that bride. This practice must be stopped on an immediate basis", said Chhattisgarh Governor.
In response, chief minister Baghel recommended the governor to instruct the people to take the help of laws in case of forceful conversion of religion or marriage.
"We have strict laws which ensure the protection of the tribal people of the region. If any matter of forceful religious conversion comes to the notice of governor madam, she should guide them to take the help of the law," Baghel responded Governor Uikey.
Meanwhile, CPI Leader and Adivasi union president, Manish Kunjam thanked the governor for raising the issue at the state level. He said that the outsiders come to the Naxal affected region offering a lot of perks and lure the tribal girls to convert to their religion. He alleged that these activities are practised on a regular basis but no action was taken yet
Chhattisgarh Sarva Adivasi Samaj — a cooperative society in the state which deals with the tribal affairs, appreciated the Governor's call to address the issue. President of the society, Prakash Thakur, said that the government must initiate a campaign in the tribal region in order to create awareness of rights among the girls of the Adivasi communities
"As many as 151 cases of forceful religious conversion of Adivasi girls have been registered till date. They are provided with a large amount of money in exchange for land and other valuable items. The government must take strict action against those who involved in such cases and also ensure stringent action," added Thakur.
