Bastar Region Christians Face Restrictions on Burials Amid PESA Law

In the Chhattisgarh village of Punpalli, a recent banner installation has ignited tension within the local Christian community. The Sukma district's governing body has issued a notice explicitly barring pastors from participating in religious events. Citing a desire to prevent conversions and other religious activities from taking place.

According to Bhima, a resident of the village, the resolution follows a list of 12 resolutions taken recently by the village panchayat. The resolution, which was cited as the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), aims to protect the village's cultural identity and traditions.

"It started from Errabore a few months ago followed by my village Polampalli. It will be done gradually in all villages," Bhima shared. When asked if the diktat had a legal basis, Bhima replied, "Yes, we are adhering to the PESA law.

Read More: Monica Kachhap's Dubai Nightmare: Adivasi Woman Trapped in Forced Labour Scam

We are not violating any law."

The Punpalli Gram Sabha cited the PESA law as the basis for the resolution. Which aims to prevent activities related to religious conversion through inducement, pressure, or any other means. Advocate Sudeep Shrivastava, who has been raising such issues in the region, said, "The entry of any Indian citizen in a village cannot be prohibited.

A person can profess his religion in any village."

Nukesh Baghel, vice president of Bastar District Rural Christian Service Committee, said, "This is at least the 10th village in Bastar region which is doing this." He also stated that some groups have been misusing the split verdict by the Supreme Court in a burial rights case earlier this year.

Also Read: LPG Prices Hike Across India as Festive Season Begins

"The Supreme Court, in February, had ordered an interim stay on forcible exhumation of tribal Christians. Following this, villagers are not allowing us to bury the bodies in the first place," Nukesh added.

The resolution has sparked concerns among the Christian community, who fear that it may be misused to restrict their rights. Advocate Degree Prasad Chouhan, convenor of Chhattisgarh Association for Justice and Equality, said, We are documenting all these instances and will approach the court in the matter again.

Mukund Thakur, CEO Zilla Panchayat, Sukma District, said, "It was not in the agenda. If I receive a written complaint, I will take appropriate action after checking the legality of the matter as per the applicable rule."