Persecuted Christians attacked in Chhattisgarh
In Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, Christians account for about 2% of the state’s 25 million people. Recently, Chhattisgarh has seen an unprecedented number of attacks against Christians.
“Hardly a day passes without a new report of attacks on Christians,” Arun Pannalal, a Christian leader, told GCR.
Earlier this year, Christians living in the village of Gupanpal were summoned to a meeting where they were asked to forsake their faith in front of the whole village. When they refused, they were attacked with axes and knives.
Although those responsible for the brutality were arrested, they faced only minor charges. Assailants of Christians often go unpunished, even for violent attacks.
“Christians do not feel safe, even in their own homes,” Pannalal said.
Just days after the violence in Gupanpal, members of a Hindu fundamentalist group called Bajrang Dal barged into a pastor’s home where an ordination ceremony was taking place. They attacked several pastors and killed one.
“The savagery in Chattisgarh is meant to challenge the faith of the Christian community,” John Dayal, a Christian activist based in New Delhi, told GCR. “I have no doubt that such brutal violence and polarizing hatred comes from the highest political circles.”
In the video below, GCR’s Advocacy team recently testified before Congress about the increasing levels of Christian persecution sweeping the nation.
