Christians in Chhattisgarh caught between a rock and a hard place
As Chhattisgarh’s new law to curb religious conversions tightens the regulatory framework, long-time Christian believers face mounting pressure from right-wing groups and fellow villagers to register their faith. Shubhomoy Sikdar examines how they find themselves caught between escalating hostility and a law they allege could penalise those seeking formal recognition
Christians in Chhattisgarh are facing a precarious situation as they navigate between the protective shield of their faith and the increasingly hostile environment brought about by the new anti-conversion law, the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act (FORA). This law, enacted by the BJP-led government, has tightened the regulatory framework for religious conversions, imposing severe penalties including life imprisonment and fines of up to ₹25 lakh.
While the government claims the law is necessary to curb conversions driven by poverty and lack of education, Christian communities and their allied forums allege that it disproportionately affects their ability to freely practice their faith and even attend worship services. The atmosphere is further exacerbated by the installation of warning boards at churches, explicitly warning non-Christians to enter at their own risk, and the outright prohibition of pastors and priests from entering certain areas, particularly in the tribal region of Bastar.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Hindu's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
