Tensions between religious communities in Kopena village of Nabarangpur district in Odisha have led to the closure of a local church, leaving several Christian families afraid and unable to freely practise their faith.
The church, used by around 30 Christian families, was locked on January 25 after disagreements between the Christian community and the majority Hindu population in the village. Since then, Christian residents say they have faced threats and restrictions on their religious activities.
According to villagers, tensions increased on the day the church was closed. Two young Christian men, Jolander and John Santa, were reportedly beaten when they tried to record a video of the church being locked. The incident created fear among many families in the community.
Local authorities say they are aware of the dispute and have formed a peace committee to address the issue. Officials said the disagreement is mainly about the ownership of the land where the church stands, claiming that it belongs to the government.
However, the village pastor said the land was legally purchased in 2007 and that the church has been used for worship for many years.
The situation became more serious after the death of a 13-year-old Christian boy. His family said they were prevented from conducting the burial according to Christian rites in the village. The burial was later carried out on private land in the presence of police officials.
Christian groups say such incidents reflect growing hostility toward Christians in India. Meanwhile, Christian families in the village say they now gather and pray quietly in their homes, hoping the situation will improve.
