Families from several villages in Kanker district have alleged that they are being denied access to water sources and livelihood opportunities because of their Christian faith, according to an appeal issued by the Progressive Christian Alliance.
Families Allege Restrictions on Access to Water
The organisation claimed that Christian families in the Antagarh region, including villages such as Madappa, Bhainsgaon and Burkhapara, have allegedly been stopped from using rivers, ponds, taps and hand pumps for several weeks.
According to the appeal, affected families said the restrictions were being used to pressure them into giving up Christianity and participating in so-called “Ghar Wapsi” programmes.
Community Representatives Say Authorities Were Approached
Representatives of the Jila Masih Astha Samaj said they had approached local authorities multiple times over the issue. They stated that written complaints were submitted to the district administration and police on April 28 and April 30, while oral appeals for intervention had also been made earlier in April.
“We have informed the authorities several times, but many families are still facing serious hardship,” community representatives said, according to the appeal.
Allegations of Economic Exclusion and Livelihood Loss
The organisation alleged that nearly 26 Christian families have been directly affected by restrictions on water access. It also claimed that families are facing economic difficulties, including denial of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), exclusion from local employment opportunities, restrictions on collecting forest produce and threats linked to farming and livelihood activities.
During a visit to the area on May 16, community representatives reportedly met residents from more than 32 villages to discuss the situation. According to the delegation, over 60 people participated in the gathering and raised concerns over access to employment and resources.
Claims of Denial of MGNREGA Work and Tendu Leaf Procurement
The appeal claimed that 41 families had allegedly been denied work under MGNREGA, while 115 families were prevented from participating in tendu leaf procurement — an important seasonal source of income in the region. It further alleged that firewood belonging to four families had been forcibly taken away.
Organisation Cites Constitutional Rights Concerns
The Progressive Christian Alliance said the allegations raise concerns about constitutional rights, citing protections under Articles 14, 15, 21 and 25 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, protection from discrimination, dignity and freedom of religion.
“The affected families should be provided access to water, livelihood opportunities and legal protection,” the organisation urged, calling on government authorities, human rights groups and civil society organisations to intervene.
District Administration Yet to Respond
The allegations have been made by the organisation and community representatives. An official response from the district administration in Kanker district was not immediately available.
