Tribal Christian families in Chhattisgarh state say they are continuing to face discrimination, including restricted access to water sources and livelihood opportunities, because of their Christian faith.
Church leaders in the tribal-majority Kanker district said repeated appeals to local authorities have brought little response, leaving many families struggling to survive during the intense summer season.
Pastor Mohan Gowal, president of the Jila Masih Astha Samaj, said a fact-finding team visited more than 30 villages in the district earlier this month to investigate complaints from Christian residents.
According to the team’s findings, dozens of Christian families in the Antagarh region have reportedly been denied access to rivers, ponds, public taps and hand pumps. Other families were allegedly excluded from a government employment programme designed to support poor and marginalised communities.
The report also claimed that more than 100 families were stopped from collecting tendu leaves, an important seasonal source of income for tribal communities in central India. Tendu leaves are commonly used in the production of traditional hand-rolled cigarettes known as bidis.
In another incident, several Christian families reportedly lost firewood gathered from nearby forests after it was allegedly seized by villagers.
Church leaders said written complaints had been submitted to district officials and police authorities in late April, but they claim the restrictions have continued in several villages.
“The situation is deeply concerning,” Gowal said, adding that some families are now forced to travel long distances to collect water, often during the night.
Christian leaders also alleged that pressure is being placed on believers to stop attending church services and return to Hinduism.
Pastor Simon Digbal Tandi, coordinator of the Progressive Christian Alliance, warned that affected families could face further hardship during the upcoming monsoon farming season if restrictions continue.
Local pastors and Christian organisations said denying access to water and employment raises serious concerns about human dignity and constitutional rights. They have appealed to state and national authorities, human rights groups and civil society organisations to intervene and protect the affected families.
Rights advocates have for years expressed concern about reports of discrimination and violence against Christians in parts of India, including Chhattisgarh.
Adapted and rewritten from original reporting by UCA News.
