Tension prevails in village in Odisha’s Nabarangpur over demand to shift church

Tension prevailed in Kapena village of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district after villagers from the Hindu community demanded that a church be relocated, citing objections to its presence.

“We received a distress call on January 26 from members of the Christian community in Kapena village, who said they felt threatened after some villagers asked them to shift their church to a distant location, alleging it was obstructing religious activities,” said Ramakant Sai, Inspector-in-Charge of Umerkote Police Station, on Wednesday (January 28, 2026).

Following the complaint, senior district officials along with police personnel rushed to the village to prevent any untoward incident. Sources said villagers from three to four neighbouring villages had also extended support to the Kapena residents opposing the church.

“A community meeting was held in the presence of representatives from both sides, during which it was decided to maintain peace and refrain from taking the law into one’s own hands. Leaders of the Christian community have assured that they will take a decision on the issue of shifting the church within the next 15 days,” Mr. Sai said.

Police said two platoons would remain deployed in the area as a precautionary measure, particularly in view of a seven-day-long yagna or havan scheduled to be held in February, which could potentially escalate tensions between the two communities.

A resident of Kapena village alleged that there had been a rise in religious conversions, leading to family-level disputes. “If anyone wishes to convert, the due legal process, including permission from the district collector, should be followed. Tribal communities should be allowed to practise their own traditions,” he said.

The incident comes amid heightened sensitivity over religious tensions in the State. Earlier this month, a pastor in the Parjang area of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district was allegedly attacked, paraded with a garland of footwear, and publicly humiliated. Police registered an FIR after the pastor’s wife approached the Superintendent of Police over alleged inaction at the police station level. Nine persons were later detained.