Pattern of Attacks Emerges Against Christians in South Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, Jan 16, 2025: Looting, vandalism, and forced displacement have emerged as a recurring pattern of violence against Vishwasi (converted) Christians across parts of South Chhattisgarh, with multiple incidents reported over the past month in the districts of Bastar, Kanker, and Dhamtari.

On 29 December, Christian families in Ermur village of Bastar district were allegedly attacked by groups of men from nearby villages. At least eight houses were reportedly broken into and looted while the men of the households were away at work. Women and children were assaulted, and household belongings were damaged or taken.

One of the victims, Ulleshwari Kashyap, who was six weeks pregnant at the time, sustained injuries and was hospitalised near the Kanker headquarters. Upon returning, families found their homes locked from the outside and vandalised. The affected families reportedly spent two days outdoors in the winter cold without access to food or personal belongings.

"My husband and brother-in-law were out working in the farms. They broke into the Christian houses, including ours, and started assaulting the people," Ulleshwari told The Quint.

According to complaints submitted to the local police, food grains, livestock, poultry, and other essentials were looted, and cooked food was deliberately contaminated. The families stated they were threatened and told they would only be allowed to remain in the village if they agreed to undergo ghar wapsi (reconversion). No arrests have been reported so far.

Police officials stated that peace has since been restored in the area. However, similar incidents reported in other parts of South Chhattisgarh suggest a broader and coordinated pattern rather than isolated episodes.

Local pastors and residents said that in several cases, Vishwasi Christians were summoned to village meetings and pressured to renounce their faith or leave. Attacks reportedly took place during or immediately after these meetings. Homes were vandalised, grain stores destroyed, and livestock taken. Some victims have chosen not to file police complaints, citing fear of retaliation and the desire to maintain peace within their communities.

Trigger Events and Escalation

Tensions escalated following the death of 70-year-old Chamra Ram Salam on 15 December in Bade Tevda village of Kanker district. His son, Rajman Salam—an elected sarpanch and a Vishwasi Christian—said the deceased followed indigenous customs while other family members practised the dominant village religion.

Disputes arose over funeral rites, with objections raised to both Hindu cremation and Christian burial. The family ultimately buried the deceased on private land following indigenous traditions. Violence broke out two days later when Christians gathered for a condolence meeting, allegedly attacked by villagers from surrounding areas.

Subsequently, demands were made for exhumation of the body, citing provisions of the PESA Act, 1996. Police later exhumed the body for postmortem examination. Following this incident, violence reportedly spread to nearby villages, including attacks on a prayer hall, the torching of a church in Amabeda, and the burning of Rajman Salam’s residence.

A statewide bandh called on 24 December by Sarv Samaj Chhattisgarh was followed by further clashes. Christian leaders alleged misuse of legal provisions and accused local groups affiliated with RSS, Bajrang Dal, and the Bharatiya Janata Party of mobilising villagers against Christian minorities.

Bade Tevda falls under the Kanker Lok Sabha constituency, represented by BJP MP Bhojraj Nag, who has publicly opposed what he describes as illegal religious conversions. Leaders of Sarv Samaj Chhattisgarh reiterated that their opposition is directed at conversions, not individuals.

Administrative Response and Data

Senior police officials described the situation as sensitive, citing the region’s Fifth Schedule status and the complexity of tribal customs. Authorities said they are monitoring developments and responding within the framework of the law.

Data compiled by the United Christian Forum indicates a sharp rise in violence against Christians nationwide. Between 2015 and 2025, nearly 5,000 incidents were documented, with Chhattisgarh accounting for over one-fifth of the total. In 2025 alone, hundreds of cases involving restrictions on worship, intimidation, assault, and property damage were recorded, while police complaints were filed in only a small fraction of cases.

Activists working in the region say the growing pattern of looting, displacement, and lack of effective legal action has left many Vishwasi Christian families either homeless or living in constant fear, particularly in remote tribal areas of South Chhattisgarh.

Courtesy: The Quint