Raipur: Two recent incidents in Chhattisgarh have raised serious questions about religious freedom and human dignity after Christian families were denied burial rights in their native villages.
In Jewartala village of Balod district, the family of a Christian man named Raman Sahu faced opposition when they tried to bury him in the village cemetery. Local residents refused permission, saying that he had converted to Christianity and could only be buried according to traditional local customs. After being denied access to their own village land, the family was forced to bury him in another village.
A similar incident took place in Kodekurse village of Kanker district, where the family of Manoj Nishad, also a Christian convert, was not allowed to bury him in his native land. The villagers reportedly demanded that the family renounce their Christian faith before they could use the village cemetery. The body remained unburied for several days as authorities tried to resolve the conflict, but the family was eventually forced to perform the burial elsewhere.
The Chhattisgarh Christian Forum condemned the incidents, calling them a violation of the constitutional right to equality, religious freedom, and the dignity of every individual. They urged the government to take immediate action and ensure safe and dignified burial grounds for Christians across the state.
Legal experts have pointed out that such denials go against the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and protection from discrimination. The Supreme Court of India had earlier directed the Chhattisgarh government to mark dedicated burial grounds for Christians in tribal areas. However, local reports suggest that the directive has not been fully implemented, leading to repeated clashes between Christian families and village committees.
In many tribal regions, traditional customs and village rules are often used to justify restrictions against converts. Under the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, known as PESA, village councils hold authority over local land and customs. But human rights advocates argue that these customary rules should not override the basic constitutional rights of individuals.
Christian groups in the state have demanded stronger action from the government, urging district authorities to identify and protect burial sites for Christian families. They also called for greater awareness among local communities to prevent discrimination based on religion.
The two incidents highlight the continuing struggle of Christians and other minority groups in rural India to secure their fundamental rights. As families continue to face barriers even in burying their loved ones, the issue calls for urgent government attention and enforcement of the Supreme Court’s directives to ensure that every citizen can rest in peace with dignity.
Source: Catholic Connect