Six villages in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker District have passed resolutions barring Christian pastors, priests, and missionaries from entering their areas, citing the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of 1996 (PESA). Large blue signboards in Hindi have been erected at village entrances declaring the prohibition of Christian activity, with one in Ghotiya village specifically reading “Prohibition of Conversion Activities.” The resolutions claim that attempts to convert tribal people through “allurements” threaten the cultural identity of Adivasis and undermine their traditional heritage. According to the village councils, these bans are justified under PESA, which empowers them to safeguard tribal culture and practices. Photos of villagers standing beside the notice boards have circulated online, with accompanying captions expressing anger toward religious conversions.

Christian leaders, however, argue that Hindu nationalist groups are driving these measures, manipulating village councils to pass unconstitutional resolutions under the guise of cultural protection. They emphasize that PESA cannot override the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. Similar bans were enacted in 2014 across nearly 50 villages in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district and later challenged in court as blatant violations of fundamental rights. Despite claims of cultural preservation, critics warn that such measures are discriminatory, erode constitutional freedoms, and fuel hostility toward minority Christians in the region.

Stay Awake. Keep Watch.

SOURCE: International Christian Concern