Local police officers stood by and watched as a mob of angry Adivasis attacked 14 Christians when they were harvesting crops from a collective farm. They also destroyed the Christians’ homes, wrecked their crops and wounded a police officer who tried to help.

Adivasis are a tribal group dominating south Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district. Even though they are referred to as peace-loving people, they often attack Christian converts, inspired by Hindu nationalists.

Christian rights activist Nagesh Micha expressed dismay in regard to authorities’ attitude: “The police, which are supposed to uphold the fundamental rights of an individual, have allowed 14 people to be beaten in their presence. This means there are higher authorities who are supporting the mobs.”

Increasing persecution of Indian Christians has been a concern for many years, especially in regions where Hindu nationalism is prominent. Hindu relatives brutally murdered a Christian woman with axes in the southern region of Chhattisgarh in June.

The Chhattisgarh Christian Forum released a press statement, asking the governor of Chhattisgarh to address violence against religious minorities. Forum President Arun Pannalal highlighted that authorities are supporting religious fanatics who are closing down churches throughout Chhattisgarh. In addition, Christian farmers have been facing constant harassment and violence. 

Source: https://www.persecution.org