Communal tension turned violent in Amabeda village of Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district after a dispute over the burial of a deceased Christian resident, leaving churches burnt, homes damaged and families living in fear.
According to reports, the trouble began when members of the Christian community tried to bury a deceased person at a customary burial site. Some villagers objected, reportedly raising issues related to tradition and land use. What started as a disagreement soon escalated, with more people joining in and tempers flaring.
Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly went out of control. A mob allegedly set fire to at least two churches and vandalised several houses linked to the Christian community. Videos shared on social media showed flames and thick smoke rising from religious buildings, though officials cautioned against relying on unverified footage. Several Christian families reportedly fled the village after receiving threats and facing intimidation.
Police and local administration rushed additional forces to the area to bring the situation under control. District officials said security has been tightened to prevent further violence. “An investigation has been launched to identify those involved in arson and vandalism, and strict action will be taken,” an official said. Authorities also said peace committee meetings were held with local leaders and community elders to ease tensions and restore calm.
No deaths were officially reported, though some people were said to have suffered minor injuries. The administration assured help to affected families, including temporary shelter and assistance for rebuilding damaged homes.
Civil society groups have called for accountability and stronger steps to protect minority rights and religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
Reacting to the incident, the Evangelical Fellowship of India expressed deep concern over the violence in Amabeda village. In a statement, the organisation said the burning of churches and intimidation of Christian families was “a grave violation of religious freedom and human dignity.” It urged the Chhattisgarh government to ensure immediate protection for the affected community, carry out a fair and impartial investigation, and bring those responsible to justice. EFI also appealed for peace, saying that “respect for the rule of law and peaceful coexistence are essential to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
