Christians banned from eight villages in Chhattisgarh State

Eight village councils (panchayats) in the Sukma District of India’s Chhattisgarh State passed a joint resolution on 17 November that prohibits any Christians from staying in their villages.

The resolution declared that Christians in these villages would either have to leave or renounce their faith, and if they fail to do either then all their fields, belongings, and property would be looted. Approximately 100 Christians are affected by the order.

The matter was brought to the notice of the chief (sarpanch) of one of the affected villages (Michwar), who confirmed the resolution and claimed that the rule of the village council superseded that of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of religion or belief under Article 25.

The next day, on 18 November, the Christians filed a written complaint at the Gadiras Police Station in Michwar and provided audio evidence of what the village chief had said. However, the police initially refused to file a First Information Report (FIR), which would have been required for them to open an investigation. Instead, they asked them to take them to their field. When they arrived there, a mob of at least 1,500 people had looted the Christians’ harvest and proceeded to demand that they renounce their faith or leave the village. The police subsequently left the area without offering further assistance.

On 19 November, the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum (CCF) approached the Sukma district collector and superintendent of police, who then ordered that an FIR be registered. However, this was still not actioned until 21 November. Approximately 40 villagers from eight families whose fields were looted have moved away from their land and are now residing in a church building in Michwar.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW condemns the efforts of village authorities in Chhattisgarh to effectively outlaw Christianity in their villages, either by forcing villagers to renounce their faith or to leave their homes entirely. We call on state authorities to intervene as a matter of urgency, ensuring that reparations are made for any loss of or damage to property since the resolution was passed, and that Christians in these villages are free to return to their lives and livelihoods without fear of further threats, harassment or intimidation.’

Note to Editors:

1. The eight villages are as follows: Dabba, Doodhiras, Gonderas, Gurli, Jagadlanar, Kundanpal, Kunna, and Michwar.