India: unleashing of violence against Christians in the state of Chhattisgarh

Hindu rioters storm a Christian church in Chhattisgarh.

© Chattisgarh Christian Forum

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In India, violence by Hindu extremist groups against Christians is increasing in the state of Chhattisgarh.

Since December, hundreds of families have been driven from their villages and are taking refuge in camps.

On January 1 and 2, churches were attacked and several police officers were injured.

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With our correspondent in Bangalore

,

Côme Bastin

Convert to Hinduism or pay the consequences.

This is the ultimatum that many Christians say they received before seeing their homes ransacked and forced to flee.

In the impoverished state of Chhattisgarh with its 30 million inhabitants, some villagers from so-called tribal areas have become Christians in recent years.

They are targeted by other Hindu tribal groups, who claim revenge against missionaries operating in the area.

Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, describes orchestrated and coordinated attacks since the Christmas period: “ 

On December 18, there was a massive action on twenty-two villages.

A total of 200 people were injured and 1,000 families had to flee to government camps.

Every day, we receive about fifty additional refugees.

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A situation that is getting worse day by day

The local authorities promise that they will restore order.

But for this religious leader, the situation is getting worse day by day: “

The police do not intervene.

On the contrary, it asks to send the families back to their villages.

As a result, some have organized themselves to confront the Hindu extremist groups.

In retaliation, two churches have been attacked since this weekend.

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At least two police officers were injured in the clashes which continue on Monday.

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