New Delhi: Over 20 instances of anti-Christian violence have been reported from across various villages in Bastar located in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, according to the locals.
Enraged locals, close to a thousand people, are currently camping outside District Collectorate in Narayanpur to exert pressure on the authorities to register a first information report (FIR) into the violence.
The locals submitted a memorandum to the district collector along with a complaint, demanding action against those behind the violence. According to locals, the perpetrators of violence were instigated by local political leaders who were influenced by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other Hindutva organisations.
The document accessed by The Wire records 20 attacks on Sunday, December 18, alone; 21 separate incidents throughout December, barring December 18 violence; 15 in November; and three in the month of October.
According to the complaint, 50 people were beaten up and driven out of their homes in Bastar’s Cherang. In separate instances of violence, Christians were physically attacked in Bhatpal, Modenga, and Gohda. An instance of violent attack and vandalism was also reported from Borwand, the complaint added.
The locals, in their complaint, alleged that those who are practicing Christianity were targeted following incitement to violence by political leaders from various villages. “The leaders of the villages incited others to threaten us, abuse us, and physically assault us by destroying and stealing our crops and produce. There were also calls for a social boycott, accusing Christians of occult activities.”
This story was originally published in thewire.in . Read the full story here