Christian leaders in Odisha have raised serious concerns after villagers stopped the burial of an elderly Catholic man, forcing his family to bury him several kilometres away days later.
Chhuta Hansda, aged 90, from Rangamatia village in Balasore diocese, died on 7 January. His family, who have been Christians for many years, began preparations for a Christian funeral. However, a relative objected and insisted that traditional tribal religious rites be followed instead.
According to the family, more villagers soon joined the protest and refused to allow the burial to take place unless those rituals were used. The family stood by their Christian faith.
Police and local officials visited the village on 9 January but were unable to resolve the disagreement. Three days after the death, officers instructed the family to move the body to shared land about five kilometres away, where the burial was finally carried out.
Church leaders say the incident is part of a growing pattern of pressure on Christians in the region. Bishop Pallab Lima of the United Believers Council Network India confirmed that similar burial disputes have taken place in the area over the past two years.
Christian activist Pratima Minj, based in Bhubaneswar, said comparable incidents have been reported from several tribal districts in Odisha in recent years. He said such actions appear designed to frighten Christian families and discourage them from practising their faith.
Church leaders claim that local authorities have often failed to act firmly against extremist groups responsible for such pressure.
Christian leaders are now calling for unity among churches and constructive dialogue with authorities to protect basic religious rights, including the right to conduct Christian burials without interference.
Adapted from UCA news.
