Christian leaders in Chhattisgarh have appealed to authorities for police protection during Christmas and New Year celebrations, citing a sharp rise in violence and intimidation against the minority community. The state has emerged as a major hotspot of anti-Christian hostility, recording 165 attacks in 2024 — the second-highest in India, according to the United Christian Forum. Christian leaders say the situation has worsened since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returned to power in 2023, with many attacks allegedly carried out by Hindu nationalist groups targeting tribal Christians. “We met the district magistrate of Jashpur on Dec. 8 and requested security for churches and Christian families,” said Kamal Kujur, president of the Rashtriya Christian Morcha. He said delegations will approach officials in all districts to ensure peaceful Christmas celebrations.
Christian pastors report that house churches are frequently attacked, with mobs disrupting prayer meetings, abusing worshippers, and physically assaulting them. Many allege that police often refuse to register complaints from Christians while readily accepting accusations from Hindu groups claiming “forced conversions. “Instances of police pressure have increased, leaders say. In August, hundreds of Pentecostal congregations suspended Sunday services after police instructed them to seek prior permission for worship. In Raipur, nearly 100 pastors were reportedly asked to halt gatherings to “maintain law and order.” Concerns grew in November when the Chhattisgarh High Court upheld village hoardings restricting the entry of “converted Christians,” ruling that they protected tribal culture — a decision Christians say has deepened their sense of vulnerability. With Christians forming less than 2% of the state’s 30 million people, community leaders urge authorities to safeguard their right to celebrate peacefully amid escalating fears.
