Tension over conversion in fishermen village

By Our Correspondent

ONGOLE, MAY 6. Tension continued to prevail in Gundamala, a fishermen habitation on the coast, in the wake of excommunication of 15 families by their castemen following their conversion into Christianity and their consequent refusal to contribute their share for holding religious functions.

Enquiries showed that the decision to excommunicate them was taken at a meeting of caste elders who collected from all 32 fishermen's habitations in the district. In pursuance of it, the section of fishermen who did not embrace Christianity were said to have decided that they would not have any business or other dealings with those having dealings with the converts.

A land dispute has arisen now, as an offshoot. Earlier, the understanding was that the proceeds of the casurina raised on a plot of 72 acres in the village should be shared by all and all fishermen families should offer their exertions for raising the plantation. But the converts were said to have not taken part and B forms were booked in favour of 32 families that have not walked out of the Hindu fold.

Following a representation to the Collector on Saturday, Mr. Veeraswami, Revenue Divisional Officer, visited the village on Sunday, enquired the matter and promised to settle the land issue amicably.

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Section  : Southern States
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