Staines "himself" was not involved in conversions— Wadhwa

NEW DELHI, DEC 1: Australian missionary Graham Steward Staines, who was burnt to death along with his two sons in Orissa in January, hi...

NEW DELHI, DEC 1: Australian missionary Graham Steward Staines, who was burnt to death along with his two sons in Orissa in January, “himself” was not involved in conversions, according to the conclusions of the Justice D P Wadhwa Commission of Inquiry report.

"He, himself, was not involved in conversions. A missionary preaches, it is the individual who converts," it said.

The conclusion and recommendations portion of the Wadhwa Commission report was tabled in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami today as part of his reply to a question from Krishna Kumar Birla.

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"There have been instances of conflicts between Christian and non-Christian tribals, evidencing growing tensions between them in the two districts of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar," it said, adding, "Staines, himself, had suspicion about the growing tensions. But he did not expect that a stage had come where there is threat to his life or a riotous situation is developing."

The administration was also quite unconcerned and oblivious to the growing tension, it said.

The report said, "There have been conversions among the tribals…. Unfortunately, some of the tribals perceived Staines to be the person behind spread of Christianity by converting innocent and unsuspecting tribals and the one making inroads into their culture and customs."

"Dara Singh (main accused in the killing) understood the psyche of these tribals, prepared them and then led the attack on Christian missionaries. Staines was killed by these fanatics and with him, his two children also perished," it concluded.