A Christian family in Tamil Nadu is allegedly constructing a church on public land in a predominantly Hindu village where they are the only Christians. Despite objections from residents, who suggested that the family either worship at home or build the church on their private land, the family has chosen to build it on public land, which has become a major point of contention.
The village of South Eranthai near Thisayanvilai in the Tirunelveli District is home to 130 Hindu families. It is alleged that one of the families recently converted to Christianity and is now building a church for their use. This decision has faced strong opposition from the Hindu community. Locals argue that the Christian family could worship privately and criticize their use of public land for church construction without proper authorization, raising concerns about potential conflict.
The previous day, residents staged a hunger strike at the Uchimakali Amman temple to protest the unauthorised church construction. To underscore their protest, they displayed black flags over their homes.
Village leader Dhana Singh said, “Since their conversion, the family has disrupted Hindu temple ceremonies. They are now constructing a church without the necessary approvals from the revenue department or police. Despite authorities’ orders to halt construction, work continues. We demand action on this issue, or we will be forced to stop sending our children to local schools and colleges and intensify our protest.”
பொது இடம் ஆக்கிரமித்து சர்ச்;
போராட்டம் துவக்கிய கிராம மக்கள்!#Publicspace | #Villagersprotest | #SouthEranthai | #churchconstruction | #Tirunelveli https://t.co/y4W3uzOWeZ pic.twitter.com/tuVl0NhSqP— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) August 12, 2024
Illegal Constructions To Convert Hindus
Recently, the Hindu Munnani lodged a formal complaint with the Thittacheri police station in Nagapattinam district, calling for a ban on an illegal prayer house opposite the Vinayaka temple in Marungoor main road that was trying to convert temple visitors.
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