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 Concerned over the reports of a large congregation of Hindus being planned from 11-13 February 2006 in the predominantly tribal district of Dangs in Gujarat, the Centre on 8 February 2006 said efforts would be made to provide additional paramilitary forces to ensure that the Shabri Kumbh Mela passed off peacefully. In a letter to the Gujarat Chief Secretary, Union Home Secretary VK Duggal suggested that extensive arrangements should be made along the route leading from the bordering States and districts to the site. He also suggested that adequate security arrangements should be made in the villages where the people of minority community live or their religious and educational institutions are located. Four companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), stationed in Ahmedabad, would be deployed in the area. The three-day event is being organised by the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad at Shabri Dham near Jarsol in Dangs district. The district witnessed attacks on the Christian tribal population and their institutions during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime in 1998. With nearly 10 per cent of the population of the area being Christian tribals, the Parishad, a front organisation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has been trying to discourage the others from getting converted to Christianity. The law and order situation in Dangs and surrounding areas was reviewed by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil at a meeting in Ahmedabad recently. The Ministry sent AK Mitra, Special Secretary (Internal Security), to Ahmedabad and Dangs on 29 January 2006 to make an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. The Centre was keeping a close watch on the situation. Intelligence inputs said the Christians in the adjoining Nandurbar district in Maharashtra were also apprehensive of tension following the congregation and the programme of "Suddhikaran" (reconversion). Several Christian organisations, under the leadership of the All Indian Christian Council, have urged the Gujarat Government and the Centre to take steps to ensure the safety of Christian missionaries and institutions.
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