Families from several villages in Kanker district have alleged that they are being denied access to water sources and livelihood opportunities because of their Christian faith, according to an appeal issued by the Progressive Christian Alliance.
Families Allege Restrictions on Access to Water
The organisation claimed that Christian families in the Antagarh region, including villages such as Madappa, Bhainsgaon and Burkhapara, have allegedly been stopped from using rivers, ponds, taps and hand pumps for several weeks.
According to the appeal, affected families said the restrictions were being used to pressure them into giving up Christianity and participating in so-called “Ghar Wapsi” programmes.
Community Representatives Say Authorities Were Approached
Representatives of the Jila Masih Astha Samaj said they had approached local authorities multiple times over the issue. They stated that written complaints were submitted to the district administration and police on April 28 and April 30, while oral appeals for intervention had also been made earlier in April.
“We have informed the authorities several times, but many families are still facing serious hardship,” community representatives said, according to the appeal.
Allegations of Economic Exclusion and Livelihood Loss
The organisation alleged that nearly 26 Christian families have been directly affected by restrictions on water access. It also claimed that families are facing economic difficulties, including denial of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), exclusion from local employment opportunities, restrictions on collecting forest produce and threats linked to farming and livelihood activities.
During a visit to the area on May 16, community representatives reportedly met residents from more than 32 villages to discuss the situation. According to the delegation, over 60 people participated in the gathering and raised concerns over access to employment and resources.
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