Nabarangpur, Odisha 10/05/2025 - A deeply concerning incident has unfolded in Deoulokona village, under the Bamnaguda Gram Panchayat of Jharioan block in the Nabarangpur district. The final journey of Mrs. Rupiya Harijan, a resident of the village, has been marred by a shocking denial of burial allegedly based on her family's Christian faith.
According to Dambru Harijan, the son of the deceased, his mother passed away around 8 PM on Friday night. Since then, the family has been met with staunch resistance from a section of the villagers who are reportedly refusing to allow the burial to take place, even on the family's own land. The stated reason for this obstruction is the family's Christian identity.
The situation took a further worrying turn with the intervention of Mr. Sunil Kumar Behera, the district working president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). While speaking to the media, Mr. Behera stated that this incident is a consequence of a movement initiated by the VHP called "Jago aur Jagao" (Awaken and Awaken Others). He further claimed that this is not an isolated event and that several such incidents have occurred in the past. These statements strongly suggest the involvement of right-wing Hindu nationalist groups in orchestrating such communal actions.
Eyewitness accounts indicate a palpable tension in the village, with the deceased's family facing immense distress and a violation of their fundamental right to perform the last rites for their loved one. The open acknowledgment by a VHP leader of their organization's role in such incidents points towards a deliberate campaign aimed at marginalizing and denying rights to religious minorities in the region.
The focus now shifts to how the district administration of Nabarangpur will handle this deeply troubling communal issue. The incident presents a significant challenge to uphold the principles of secularism and ensure justice for the grieving family. Immediate intervention is crucial to:
* Ensure the dignified burial of Mrs. Rupiya Harijan: The administration must take all necessary steps to facilitate the burial without further delay and ensure the safety and security of the family.
* Address the underlying communal tensions: A thorough investigation into the role of the VHP and other organizations in instigating such incidents is imperative. Strict action should be taken against those found guilty of inciting communal hatred and obstructing the burial.
* Rebuild trust and social harmony: The administration needs to engage with community leaders and residents to address the root causes of such intolerance and work towards fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
* Guarantee the rights of religious minorities: This incident highlights the vulnerability of minority communities and the urgent need for the administration to proactively safeguard their rights and ensure their equal treatment under the law.
The events in Deoulokona serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by religious intolerance and the crucial role of the administration in upholding the constitutional values of equality and religious freedom for all citizens. The nation now awaits decisive action from the Nabarangpur district administration to address this grave injustice and prevent future occurrences.
0 Comments