Several tribal Christian families in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district have accused local authorities of failing to protect their basic rights after they were allegedly denied access to water sources and livelihood opportunities because of their faith.

Christian leaders said the problems began in early April and continue in many villages of the Antagarh area. According to a fact-finding team sent by local Christian organisations, at least 26 families have been blocked from using rivers, ponds, hand pumps, and public water taps.

The report also stated that 41 families were excluded from a rural employment guarantee scheme that supports poor villagers with work opportunities. In addition, around 115 families were reportedly stopped from collecting tendu leaves, an important source of income for tribal communities in central India.

Church leaders further alleged that some families had firewood taken away by fellow villagers despite collecting it legally from nearby forests.

Christian groups claimed the affected families had repeatedly appealed to village officials, police, and district authorities, but no effective action was taken. Many families are now forced to travel long distances at night to fetch drinking water.

According to pastors working in the area, the restrictions are being used to pressure Christians to stop attending church services and return to Hinduism.

Christian leaders said denying access to water and livelihoods violates human dignity and constitutional rights. They have appealed to state authorities, human rights groups, and civil society organisations to intervene and ensure protection for the affected families. The incident has once again raised concerns about discrimination and religious tensions faced by Christian minorities in parts of central India.

Sathyadeepam Weekly