Forced Religious Conversion of Adivasi Children: Flaws on the Part of High Ranking Officers Exposed.

published on June 17, 2014

Taking into account the numerous allegations that Adivasi children of Kerala who are housed in various orphanages are being forcibly converted into other religions, the Child Welfare Committee for Juvenile Justice plans to submit a memorandum to the government seeking an investigation into the matter.

According to sources, as many as 11 Adivasi boys have been brought to BEM Boys Home at Parapperi in Tirur (under CSI North Kerala Diocesan Projects) with the aid of special agents, who are recruited for this purpose. The agents are said to have brought these boys from various places, luring them with money and other means. This was brought to the notice of the authorities of Child Welfare Committee for Juvenile Justice, following which preliminary investigations were conducted.

“The Child Welfare Committee for Juvenile Justice will seek a government enquiry into the matter. Forced religious conversion is taking place- there is enough proof from first round enquiries. Children, from the age of five and upwards have various customs thrust upon them. There is also information that children were brought to Parapperi BEM Boys Home via specialized agents on earlier occasions too,” said sources.

According to reports, “their modus operandi is well chalked out. These agents identify Adivasi families stricken with poverty. They lure the family members with money, alcohol and other fancy items. After having taken their guardians into confidence, the agents offer care and education for their children along with a promising and bright future, for which the unsuspecting parents give their consent.”

There are also reports of specialized officers appointed for the welfare and education of Adivasis as part of Integrated Tribal Development Programme secretly assisting various religious groups regarding such activities.

There are also allegations that incautious on the part of concerned senior officials and Tribal Development Department has led to the matter being pushed into the backdrop, at a time when the case of child trafficking created a storm.