The Loyola Education Trust-run Shantiniketan High School continues to function from the same building that was ``trespassed'' upon by Dinesh Surti, on whom a mamlatdar had bestowed the tenancy of the land. That act triggered another: parents of the students went on a rampage at the main market, targeting Surti's shop alongwith others.

The incident took on a distinctly communal angle in the days that followed, with the police requiring the assistance of the State Reserve Police and other paramilitary forces to restore order.

One month on, the tribals refuse to be sucked into any controversy.No matter that one Christian missionary had to flee for his life in July. Or that the carefree atmosphere of the school has been replaced by tension and apprehension; the principal replaced by four constables maintaining a round-the-clock vigil.

Surti has no such compunctions. ``I have been declared the rightful owner of the land and I will have it in due time'', he says defiantly. Surti and his companions lodged a case of rioting against school manager Father S J Albert and principal James Savarimuthu, accusing them of instigating the students into attacking their shops. Both have secured anticipatory bail from Gujarat High Court after the sessions court denied their applications.

In the absence of Albert and Savarimuthu, the school is in the charge of Father Raj, Says he, ``We definitely don't feel safe here. With two of our seniormost men forced to leave, we fear for our lives as well as those of our students.''

The taluka administration, on its part, says the matter is sub judice. Mamlatdar B S Rathod adds, ``The mamlatdar court has declared Surti the tenant of the land where the school stands. "But a stay prevents him from taking possession of it. The aggrieved party can appeal to the sessions court or High Court or Supreme Court.''

If Bajrang Dal South Gujarat convener Harish Surti is to be believed, it is the tribals who are the aggrieved party. ``Tribals are being hoodwinked into believing that Jesus Christ is the only saviour. They are running down the Hindu gods'', he alleges.

Though Zhankhvav has been quiet for the past month, neighbouring Umarkhadi village reportedly witnessed some unrest. Cases of rioting were registered against three villagers, who were arrested and subsequently released. The Mangrol police said they have closed investigations in the case.

The Zankhvav incident, however, has sent ripples through the police department, though the force has not been directly criticised. R K Chaudhary, then PSI of the Mangrol police station, has been transferred to the district intelligence department, while M P Vasava, appointed to probe the incident was transferred to Junagadh last week.