More than 180 Christian tribal families in India’s Chhattisgarh state have reportedly faced weeks of social and economic exclusion designed to pressure them to abandon their faith, according to International Christian Concern (ICC). The families have been denied access to water sources, employment opportunities, and the ability to collect and sell forest products that provide food and income.
ICC said Christian leaders believe the boycotts are intended to force believers into Hindu “homecoming” conversion programs. Local civil rights groups have filed complaints, but the hardships continue.
The report comes amid broader concerns about religious freedom in India, including the May 13 killing of three Christian leaders in Manipur after they attended a Baptist gathering focused on reconciliation and peacebuilding.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said conditions for religious minorities, including Christians, continued to worsen in 2025, citing stricter anti-conversion laws, detentions, expulsions, and attacks targeting minority communities.
