Two families who had converted to Christianity were allegedly beaten and forced to leave their hamlet in Maoist affected Narayanpur district of south Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
The incident took place in Iknar village, located about 70 kilometres from the Narayanpur district headquarters. The area falls under Abujhmarh, a region that has remained cut off from basic facilities such as healthcare, education, and proper roads for decades.
According to the New Indian Express, Iknar has 18 houses and two families among them had converted to Christianity around five years ago. After their conversion, the families reportedly stopped worshipping traditional deities and no longer took part in local rituals and ceremonies.
Villagers claimed that the converted families opposed traditional customs, which gradually led to tension in the hamlet. The situation worsened when some residents tried to hold discussions with the families to resolve the issue of religious conversion, following which the violence allegedly broke out.
Members of the converted families alleged that they were assaulted by villagers, their household belongings were thrown out, ration supplies were destroyed, and important documents were burnt.
One of the victims told reporters that they were targeted because of their faith. “The villagers were hostile towards us because we follow Christianity and attend prayers. Our houses were damaged and we were asked to leave the village. Some of us were injured and had to go to a community health centre for treatment,” the victim said.
The person added that they would not give up their religion under pressure. “The villagers are free to follow their beliefs, but they should also allow us to practise our Christian faith,” the victim said.
On the other hand, villagers maintained that they were only trying to protect their culture and traditions. They reportedly warned the converted families that everyone living in the hamlet must follow local customs and beliefs.
After the incident, the police reached the village and held discussions with both sides. Officials said efforts are being made to resolve the matter peacefully and asked both the villagers and the converted families to live together without hostility.
So far, no first information report has been registered by either side. Authorities said they are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.
