At least 40 members of the New Bethesda Jesus Tribal Ministry in Michwar Village, Chhattisgarh, have sought refuge in their church. This comes after village councils issued a Nov. 17 resolution threatening Christians who refuse to denounce their faith with expulsion and looting of property. The resolution affects 100 Christians across eight villages.
Mob Attacks and Law Enforcement Inaction
On Nov. 18, a mob of 1,500 looted agricultural harvests in Michwar Village after Christians attempted to file a police complaint. Villagers demanded Christians renounce their faith or leave. Police failed to intervene despite constitutional protections under Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion.
Widespread Violence Against Christians in India
The Chhattisgarh incident reflects a broader trend of anti-Christian violence in India. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) documented 687 violent incidents against Christians in 2023. Detentions under anti-conversion laws, mob attacks, and forced “reconversions” to Hinduism were frequent. Advocacy groups urge the U.S. to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Resilience Amid Hostility
Despite threats, Christians in India continue to worship in homes and independent churches, though often under fear of reprisal. Local and international organizations are providing food and provisions to displaced families. However, many victims avoid returning to their villages due to fears of renewed hostility.
Calls for Government Intervention
Mervyn Thomas of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) urged immediate action to ensure Christians can return safely to their homes and recover damages. CSW also highlighted the need for urgent reforms to protect religious minorities in rural India, where anti-conversion laws often exacerbate tensions.
Future Outlook
Without governmental intervention, displaced Christians face long-term instability. Activists stress the importance of addressing systemic religious discrimination to ensure a safer future for India’s Christian minority.
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100 Christians banned from villages in India if they don’t denounce faith
Photo by Mustafa Fatemi on Unsplash
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