Jharkhand tribes up in arms, say no difference between RSS and Christian missionaries

Tribal gurus from Jharkhand have claimed that there is 'no difference' between Christian missionaries and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), says a report in the Hindustan Times.

Bandhan Tigga, Sarna dharmguru from Oraon clan, told HT that "They (RSS and missionaries) are the same. One tries to lure us, the other forces its ideologies on us". The tribes, who have been protesting against RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, say that while the missionaries want to convert them to Christianity, RSS wants to impose Hinduism on them.

The tribes have also alleged that the RSS preaches casteism. "They (Hindus) are divided into Rajputs, Brahmins, Shudras, Kayastas and more. We, on the other hand, are all equal," said Laskar Soren, a Santhali tribe leader.

The reactions came a day after Sarna followers in Jharkhand took to the streets against the RSS, burnt effigies of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and leader Krishna Gopal, demanding an apology from the organisation, says HT.

The controversy began when RSS sah sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal claimed on the last day of RSS's executive committee meeting in Ranchi on Sunday, that all tribes were actually Hindus and 'fall under the Hindu code'.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram openly backed the RSS on Saturday, adding fuel to the fire. Krishna Gopal went on to add that Oram was absolutely right.