Around 15 Christian families in a tribal village in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh state of India, have been subjected to a socio-economic boycott and denied basic human needs for three months by the local village council authority. The reason for this inhumane treatment is their refusal to renounce their Christian faith.

Boycott and Banishment Threat:

The village council has issued an order boycotting the Christian families, denying them access to basic amenities such as water, electricity, and ration supplies. They have also been threatened with banishment from the village if they do not forsake their Christian beliefs.

Forced to Choose Between Faith and Livelihood

This incident highlights the continuing persecution of religious minorities, particularly Christians, in tribal-dominated regions of India. These families are being forced to choose between their faith and their homes, lands, and native villages. The denial of basic human rights and the threat of banishment from their ancestral lands is a grave violation of their fundamental rights.

The actions of the village council authority and the Hindu leaders seeking to deny Scheduled Tribe benefits to Christian converts are in direct contravention of the principles of religious freedom enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Such incidents undermine India’s secular fabric and tarnish its image as a diverse and inclusive nation.

Call for Intervention and Protection:

The international community must take cognizance of this situation and urge the Indian government to intervene and protect the rights of these Christian families. Ensuring their safety, restoring their access to basic amenities, and upholding their right to practice their faith without fear of persecution should be of utmost priority.