Ranchi Ground Report: Changai Sabha पर विवाद! क्या आदिवासियों का Conversion हो रहा है?

This ground report from Ranchi, Jharkhand highlights growing tensions in tribal-dominated regions over ongoing and proposed Changai Sabha (healing prayer meetings).

Two key areas — Lalkhatanga Panchayat in Namkum and Chand Village in Tupudana — have witnessed strong opposition from villagers and Sarna organisations, who allege that these events may have hidden motives and violate administrative norms in Fifth Schedule areas.

In Lalkhatanga, residents objected to the 3–5 November Changai Sabha, stating that the organisers are outsiders and did not seek mandatory consent from the Gram Sabha, a key constitutional requirement for activities in Scheduled Areas. The administration has acknowledged the concerns and forwarded them to higher authorities for further examination.

Meanwhile, in Chand Village, tribal groups have planned a significant protest rally on 23 November at Jatra Maidan, urging tribal MLAs and MPs to join. Megha Oraon, President of the Jharkhand Adivasi Sarna Vikas Samiti, claimed that such gatherings demonstrate “miracle healing” to influence tribal belief systems. She further stated that these activities have reportedly taken place for the past year without proper permission, thereby threatening local cultural identity and Sarna religious values. Notably, residents say no Christian families live in the area, raising doubts about the intent behind the meetings.

This report explores whether Changai Sabhas are simply prayer-based healing events or indirect religious persuasion, and how legal safeguards apply to Fifth Schedule zones. It also examines whether the protests reflect genuine cultural protection, political mobilisation, or a combination of both. वीडियो | Politics