By Morning Star News | May 19, 2025
In a troubling development from central India, several Christian families in Sukma District, Chhattisgarh, were violently attacked and expelled from their homes due to their faith. Reports confirm that villagers practicing indigenous tribal religions threatened these families with death if they attempted to return while continuing their Christian beliefs.
On April 24, 2025, approximately 45 members belonging to 10 Christian families were assaulted and driven out of Durandarbha village, located in Konta tehsil. The displaced families scattered across nearby hills and forests, enduring a night exposed to the elements before finding refuge at a church in Chintalnar, about 11 miles away.
Efforts to assess the situation led two women from these families to return to Durandarbha on April 28. They came back terrified, having been warned by villagers to abandon their faith in Jesus Christ before reentering the village, according to Hirma Markam, who is assisting the displaced families.
Tragically, on April 29, news arrived that the home of one fleeing resident, Mediyam Lakhma, had been destroyed by fire. Although no culprits have been officially identified, Markam suspects local villagers were responsible. Santosh Markam, another volunteer aiding the Christians, shared that families, including women, children, and elderly members, were forced to seek shelter far from their homes and have yet to return.
One family, including three children, remained in the village but continues to face severe restrictions. Kunjam Bechem, one of the affected Christians, revealed that he and his minor son were severely beaten and placed under house arrest by the villagers.
Escalation from Religious Dispute to Violence
On the day of the attacks, 11 Christian families were called to a village meeting. About 60 villagers, armed with wooden sticks, surrounded the Christians and demanded they renounce their faith. Despite harsh intimidation, the families stood firm in their beliefs.
“We were once sick and neglected, but Jesus healed us and gave us peace. Now, that threatens them,” said one Christian woman, according to Bechem. The confrontation quickly turned violent, with indiscriminate beatings inflicted even on elderly women and children.
The attackers also raided homes, seizing and burning Bibles, religious posters, and vital government identification documents such as Aadhaar cards and ration cards, which provide essential food supplies.
The assaulted Christians fled to hills and forests, regrouping the next day in Chimli village before reaching their church in Chintalnar. On April 25, they reported the assaults to the local police station in Jagargunda. Medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injuries among women, men, and children.
Limited Legal Response and Ongoing Hardships
Despite filing formal complaints, the Christians have not been given copies of their reports, nor have arrests been made. Police issued only verbal warnings to the attackers and advised the victims not to return home immediately. The displaced families continue to live under precarious conditions in the church, which suffers from leaking roofs during the rainy season, as reported on May 8 by Hirma Markam.
Patterns of Persecution and Broader Context
This violent episode follows similar incidents nearby. On April 12, seven Christian tribal families were expelled from Karigundam village, also in Sukma District, after refusing to abandon their faith at a large village council meeting attended by around 2,000 people.
The district, characterized by dense forests and a predominantly tribal population with one of India’s lowest literacy rates, has become a hotspot for religious persecution. According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, India ranks 11th globally for the severity of Christian persecution, a significant decline from 31st place in 2013. Observers link the rise in hostility to policies and rhetoric associated with India’s ruling National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
Support and Solidarity
Organizations like Morning Star News aim to provide accurate, impartial news coverage to highlight the plight of persecuted Christians and mobilize global awareness and assistance. These reports emphasize that the victims are not alone and encourage efforts to support religious freedom and human rights.
