Orissa, India., Dec. 5 - The Independent MLA and president of Janajati Hitarakhya Samiti, Mr Purushottam Naik, on Wednesday alleged that more than 2,000 Hindus have been converted to Christianity in the state during November.

Mr Naik who is also a coopted BJP member, said that 55 persons from Badahazaribagh village and 98 from Suansai village in Jajpur district, 25 from Ambulapani village in Deogarh district, 15 from Arjunpali village and 18 from Tangarpada village in Sambalpur district, 11 from Kasipur village in Gajapati district and 1,780 villagers from Berbera gram panchayat in Khurda district have been converted.

The MLA alleged that the missionaries were creating an unhealthy atmosphere in this peaceful state by luring innocent and gullible tribals into Christianity in the name of serving the poor.

"They are also violating the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act," he added.

Countering the statement of Christian organisations that the tribals are not Hindus, Mr Naik alleged that such assertions were aimed at dividing the Hindu society and creating communal tensions.