Hindutva Vigilantism Sparks Controversy in Odisha

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned an alleged attack on Catholic priests and nuns in Odisha, labeling it as 'Hindutva vigilantism.' The incident, involving baseless accusations of forced religious conversion, illustrates a broader trend of communal tensions against Christians in India.

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has publicly denounced what he calls 'Hindutva vigilantism' following an alleged assault on Catholic priests and nuns in Odisha. The attack, which authorities claim was based on unfounded charges of forced religious conversion, is stirring debate across the country.

Vijayan took to the social media platform X, attributing the assault to 'Sangh Parivar goons.' He suggested the incident highlights an 'ongoing communal witch-hunt' targeting Christians nationwide, linking it to other recent events such as the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh.

Reports emerged earlier this week indicating that Christian priests and nuns from Kerala were stopped and harassed in the Balasore district of Odisha, allegedly by locals who suspected them of conducting involuntary conversions. The allegations have raised concerns about religious intolerance in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)