Christian families in a village in Chhattisgarh are facing uncertainty over celebrating Christmas after growing pressure from Hindu nationalist groups. The tensions began on November 24 when villagers disrupted the burial of Anthi Mandavi, a 35-year-old Christian who died of tuberculosis.
Anthi’s brother, Charan, said the mob stopped the funeral, and police at the scene did not intervene. “We had to take the body elsewhere for burial,” he told Newslaundry.
Police Inspector Ganesh Yadav stated that patrolling in the area, home to around 400 people, has been increased. However, local Christians have accused the police of inaction, saying their complaints were altered to portray the attack as a “land dispute” instead of religious hatred.
The day after the police complaint, a local Hindu group served notices to all 23 Christian families, accusing them of illegal construction on tribal land. “Villagers informed us about encroachment, so we issued notices. This has nothing to do with religion,” a revenue officer told Newslaundry.
But the village council chief, Beeruram Baghel, admitted that the issue was about religion. “We want them to return to the tribal and Hindu fold. If they don’t agree, we plan to expel them from the village,” he said. Baghel also claimed that villagers had decided to ban Christmas celebrations this year.
In another part of Chhattisgarh, Sukma District, eight village councils passed a resolution on November 17 banning Christians from staying in their villages. The resolution threatened to loot their fields, belongings, and property if they refused to renounce their faith.
Around 100 Christians have been affected. Some families were forced to flee after mobs looted their harvests and threatened them. Forty people from eight families are now sheltering in a church in Michwar.
One village leader told the Christians that local council rules were above the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom under Article 25. The Christians lodged a complaint with the police, providing audio evidence of threats. However, the police allegedly refused to take action.
“We are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens. Yet we are denied basic rights such as burying our loved ones, living on our land, and harvesting our crops,” said Father Thomas Vadakumkara of Jagdalpur Diocese.
According to the United Christian Forum (UCF), violence and discrimination against Christians have risen in 23 of India’s 28 states. Chhattisgarh recorded 139 incidents this year, second only to Uttar Pradesh.
Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Jagdalpur Diocese criticized the ongoing persecution in the state. “It doesn’t matter whether Congress or BJP is in power. Lawlessness continues, and Christians are routinely targeted,” he said.
As Christmas approaches, many Christians in Chhattisgarh are left fearing for their safety. “We just want to live peacefully and celebrate our faith,” said a displaced villager sheltering in Michwar.
