At a press conference here today, convenor of the parishad, Vilas Sonawane, said the forum would protect the right of citizens to opt for a religion of their choice. However, he explained, the forum would instruct the adivasis in self-protection rather than call for reinforcements.

The forum will also organise a Sanskritik Parishad (Cultural Conference) of tribals in Devmogra village in June to encourage the tribals to preserve their animistic traditions. Asked whether their offer of protection to Peth's Christian tribals did not contradict this belief, Sonawane said tribals even in the North-Eastern states had maintained their traditions and rituals despite converting to Christianity.

The forum's Ishara Parishad will be addressed byLeader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Madhukar Pichad, Republican Party of India leader and Member of Parliament, Jogendra Kawade, former Parliamentarian, Zamru Kahandole (Cong), Fr Francis D Britto, ex-MP, Haribhau Mahale (JD), actor Nilu Phule and local MLA Harishchandra Chavan.

The Ishara Parishad has been organised to counter the threat of the Dharma Raksha Samiti, which had ordered Christian adivasis out of Peth by March 31, during the Vishaal Hindu Sammelan on January 5, 1999. In fact, the saffron offensive mounted by Hindu fundamentalists also saw the reconversion of 37 Christian tribals to the Hindu fold on the occasion.

The sammelan followed an attack on Christian tribals and damage to their church at Kayre Sadadpada village in Peth taluka on October 16, 1998. The converted tribals had refused to contribute foodgrains and money for an annual tribal ritual, evoking the wrath of their Hindu brethren.

About 500 tribals have converted to Christianity in Peth over the last 14 years.There are no foreign missionaries in the area and the conversions have been done by Fr Arthur Jebrass, who hails from Tamil Nadu.