Christian Labourers Barred from Work, Allege Religious Discrimination

KANKER, Chhattisgarh, June 12, 2026: Eight Christian labourers employed for more than fifteen years at the Aari Dongari Iron Ore Mines in Chhattisgarh have alleged that they were prevented from returning to work because of issues linked to their religious identity, prompting an appeal to district authorities for intervention.

According to the workers, representatives of the contractor operating at the mine site orally instructed them on June 9 not to report for duty. The labourers claim the directive was issued without any written termination order, notice, disciplinary proceedings, inquiry, or legal process.

The mine is operated under Godavari Power and Ispat Limited (GPIL), with TMC Mineral Resources Private Limited serving as the contractor at the site located in Kachhe village of Bhanupratappur in Kanker district.

The affected workers stated that they had continuously worked at the mining site for over fifteen years and were unaware of any disciplinary complaints or adverse service records against them.

According to the labourers, representatives of the contractor told them:

"First talk to the people of the village and settle your religious issue with them. Then come back to work; no one will stop you. If you do not agree with them, you will not be allowed to work further. Do not come again unless you settle your religious issue with the people of the village."

The workers allege that the statement effectively prevented them from continuing their employment from June 9 onward.

The incident has raised concerns relating to freedom of religion and belief, equality before the law, non-discrimination in employment, right to livelihood, security of employment, and protection against arbitrary termination. The labourers contend that their exclusion from work may be linked to their Christian faith.

Seeking redress, the workers travelled to Kanker on June 11 and submitted a written representation to the District Collector. In their petition, they requested restoration of employment, protection from religious discrimination, an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their exclusion from work, action against any unlawful employment practices, and safeguards for their constitutional and labour rights.

During the submission of the representation, Simon Digbal Tandi and Habil Masih of JILA Masih Astha Samaj, Kanker, accompanied the labourers and extended advocacy support.

The Progressive Christian Alliance has called on human rights organisations, labour rights groups, religious freedom advocates, and government authorities to conduct an independent fact-finding inquiry, monitor the situation, engage with labour and district officials, and facilitate appropriate legal and human rights assistance.

As the workers await a response from authorities, their complaint has brought renewed attention to questions of due process in employment and the protection of religious freedom and livelihood rights in the workplace. An impartial inquiry, they maintain, is necessary to establish the facts and address the concerns raised in their representation.

By Simon Digbal Tandi