Keonjhar: In spite of the rapid modernisation of Odisha various superstitions and beliefs are acting as huge hindrances. With people in rural areas of this district still firm believers in witchcraft, black magic and sorcery, development to a certain extent has been stalled.
The prevalence of superstition and beliefs is amply demonstrated by the fact that people turn to sorcerers to get cured of diseases. Branding of children with hot iron rods to drive out the ‘evil’ from their souls is another common method.
In this district there is the constant clash between superstitions and modernisation. This is leading to catastrophic situations as on many occasions mobs have lynched people allegedly involved in witchcraft and sorcery. Recently two tribals were brutally lynched as they were allegedly practicing black magic at Nayagarh village under Bamebari police limits in this district. Though the culprits have been nabbed, the lives of two people have been lost.
But this is not an isolated incident in this district. There has been constant rise in witch-hunting cases. Eight cases of lynching and murder have so far been registered in 2019, 13 in 2018 and eight in 2017 according to the statistics given by the police official. The interiors of this district, densely populated with tribals are the worst hit areas.
To stop the menace of witch-hunting the locals have asked the district administration to start an awareness campaign. They have also urged the State Government to provide financial support to the families of witch-hunting victims.
To prevent witch-hunting former Director General of Police RP Sharma recently unveiled a memorial for witch-hunt victims inside the premises of the SP here. He also launched a special awareness programme to prevent witch-hunting in future. But then these steps have failed to have the desired results.
This year also there have been eight cases of witch-hunting so far recorded. The district officials are hoping that it will less than the 13 registered last year. The officials are hoping that awareness campaigns and strict implementation of the law will have the desired results. But most importantly people will have to shed their superstitions if witch-hunting is to stop completely.
PNN