Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide
On November 17th, the leaders of eight villages in Sukma, a district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, passed a joint resolution that prohibits Christians from staying in their communities. As a result of the decision, all Christian residents have been required to renounce their faith or leave. The order impacts around 100 believers, whose fields, properties and belongings were threatened with confiscation if they did not comply. One local chief who supported the decree claimed that the village council supersedes the Indian Constitution, thus negating any arguments about the believers' right to freedom of belief.
On the day after the ordinance was passed, some of the affected Christians went to the police station in Michwar. However, the officers refused to file a report about the situation. The believers then led the authorities to a field where a mob of at least 1,500 people were looting the Christians' crops. Despite witnessing the violent incident, the police refused to intervene.
After representatives from the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum approached the local authorities in Sukma, an official police report was finally filed. At last report, 40 Christian villagers from eight families have been forced to move due to the looting and are presently being housed within a church building in Michwar.
According to the United Christian Forum, there has been an increase in violence and discrimination against followers of Jesus in at least 23 of India's 28 states this year. For further reports on the persecution of Christians in India, as well as other ways in which you can pray for our suffering South Asian family in Christ, go to our country profile.
Prayerfully uphold these recently displaced Christians, asking God to provide them needed protection, comfort and practical provisions as they cope with the loss of their homes, belongings and livelihoods. May the state authorities intervene in this situation, ensuring that reparations are made for all losses and damages sustained during the mob attacks. In general, pray that followers of Jesus throughout India will stand firm in their faith despite intense pressure, discrimination and oppression, enabling the ministry and witness of the church to continue impacting the lives of the spiritually needy in this troubled region of the world.
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