Caste in Kandhamal issue

The trouble in Kandhamal in Orissa is described by many as clashes between Hindus and Christians. It is believed that the aged VHP preist Laxmananda Saraswati was killed by Christian militants. Other say that the Christians allied with the Maoists to get rid him. The truth is more complex. Caste too comes in.

That part of Orissa has two major castes, Kandhas and Pannas. Kandhas have dominated since many years. Pannas, to ameliorate their condition, fell under the influence of Christian missionaries that came in during the British Raj. Many Pannas have converted to Christianity.

Laxmananda had been active for many years in weaning away those who had converted or were thinking of converting. Thus he had fallen foul of the Christian missionaries. The Maoists too did not like him. He was working for tribal welfare and education. A happy tribal has no use for Maoism.

No one knows who killed Laxmananda. The truth will come out perhaps from the enquiry. Was it the work of Christian militants? Or of the Maoists? Or both of them in collusion?