Six years after a church used by tribals here was partly destroyed by a mob, tempers are once again rising in Sadadpada village in Nashik district’s Peth tehsil. Following the conviction of 24 people for damaging the shrine, the 17 families that prayed at the church are keen to rebuild it. But a section of villagers are opposing them on the grounds that the matter is sub-judice as those convicted have gone in appeal.
‘‘For six years, we have been praying in this damaged structure and now since the attackers have been convicted, we want to repair it,’’ said Kusha Bosare, who was attacked by the mob six years ago. ‘‘But the villagers say we can’t do it.’’ He pointed out that officials had asked them to wait. ‘‘We have decided to go on a hunger strike at the district collectorate after two days,’’ he said. Another tribal, Madhukar Nimbare, said the shrine was on the verge of collapse.
District SP Raj Vardhan said the matter would be sorted out soon. ‘‘I told them that there was no need to agitate because the church is on private land and professing any religion is their right. But I need some time to go through the records and find a solution.’’
The issue has created a division along communal lines. Gopal Jadhav, who had led the attack and was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment with 23 others, could not be reached for his reaction. His son Namdeo said villagers would not allow the repair till the court verdict. ‘‘We are going to celebrate all Hindu festivals with more enthusiasm this year,’’ he said, claiming a drive to bring Christians back into Hindu fold was showing results. All India Christian Council general secretary Abraham Mathai said they would take up the issue with the state government within two days.