The Stories of Sunita and Maya:
Sunita and Maya’s stories exemplify the alleged pattern of Christian Love Jihad in Bihar. Both were ensnared in relationships with Christian boys who later forced them into marriage and conversion to Christianity. The emotional manipulation and brainwashing these young girls experienced highlight the severity of the issue.
Targeting Areas with Low Literacy Rates:
The Christian Love Jihad seems to be concentrated in areas with low literacy rates, specifically in Bihar’s Seemanchal region. The increase in the number of churches in the region between 1999 and 2005 raises suspicions of a concerted effort to target vulnerable communities.
The districts of Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Madhepura, and Begusarai are reportedly lagging behind in literacy rates. This makes it easier to influence the local population.
The Role of Schools and Health Centers:
Reports suggest that individuals associated with schools and health centers are actively involved in luring residents into converting to Christianity. As the Christian population grows in a particular area, the construction of churches follows suit. This strategic approach indicates a systematic effort to increase the Christian presence in these regions.
Madhepura: A Disturbing Case Study:
Madhepura stands out as a district where the Christian population has risen significantly in many villages. Tinkonwa village in Murliganj block is an alarming example. The Christian population ranges from 40 to 60 percent. The existence of a school run by missionaries and a hospital in the area suggests a comprehensive strategy to influence the local population.
Conversion Process and Influential Families:
The investigation uncovers that churches often convert Hindu girls to Christianity within a month of their marriage. The process entails actively teaching them about Christianity and its rituals for six months to a year before the conversion. Influential families in these areas reportedly undergo conversion and exert influence on others to follow suit. These communities present the norm that a Hindu girl must convert before marrying a Christian boy.
The Counter-Narrative:
While valid concerns exist about the surge in conversions, it is crucial to consider alternative perspectives. According to Vivek Kumar of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, 2500 people have reverted to their Sanatana within three years.
However, the current imperative is to raise awareness against these conversions. Our focus on Muslim-Hindu relationships has granted Christians a free pass. Such incidents do not occur in isolation. It is, therefore, imperative to address the perpetrators firmly. Additionally, there is an urgent need to educate and raise awareness against these operations.