Christian communities have strongly objected to the release of Odia film Sanatani – Karma Hi Dharma Will be released on Friday (February 7, 2025). They claim that the film Jesus portrays Christ, Christians and Christian services in a derogatory manner.

The National Council of Church and Evengelical Fellowships of India released a statement condemning the release of the film, the National United Christian Forum (NUCF), a platform for the Catholic Bishop conference, is a platform of the Catholic Bishop conference. Sanatani – Karma Hi DharmaOn 7 February.

“The film depicts abusively Jesus Christ, Christian, and Christian services, distorting the image of Jesus, the major aspects of Christian theory, especially baptized rites, and the conversion in the form of a criminal activity wrong Presents from, “NUCF said.

The forum said, “The right to freedom of religion, including the right to convert a citizen into any religion of choice, lies in the Constitution of India, and any attempt to reduce this fundamental right is unconstitutional.”

NUCF further said, “The tribal communities are indigenous people with different traditions, rituals and beliefs that enrich the pluralistic taunts of India. Any attempt to divide them can be seen as a malicious effort to reduce land, water and its fundamental right of the forest. ,

Violence faced by Christian communities in Odisha

Saying that there was a history of atrocities and violence faced by Christian communities in Odisha, it said, “Loss of life, cruel attacks, and forced displacement are a painful reminder of the dangers of religious intolerance. The film is an attempt to clearly end the false story, to end hatred and violence among peaceful communities in the region. ,

The NUCF recently gave an example of incidents of violence and hatred, especially in the states of Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, alleging that government machinery failed to ensure safety and safety of minorities.

“It is disappointing to involve false propagation against the fundamental rights of religious freedom to instigate violence. When we believe in freedom of expression and maintain it, it should be used with caution so that no community or trust is caused by targeting, ”NUCF said.

The forum asked the authorities to intervene, and stop the screening of the film and thus stop the loss and danger that could be caused by the peace and harmony of the region.

Earlier, Christian representatives urged Chief Minister Mohan Majhi to intervene through the Complaint Cell and stop the film’s release. “The film depicts the theme of conversion in a very biased manner and seems to be aimed at defaming the Christian community in the state,” he said.

“We want to say that the conversion bogie has been raised as an excuse to attack and attack Christians. It should not be in Odisha that has implemented the Odisha Freedom of Religious Act, 1967 to regulate such activity. The people involved in the film and people promoting it through social media are accusing the Christian community of doing this wrongdoing, ”said the Christian community leaders. He urged the government not to release the film.