A region of India has banned all Christians from staying in its villages. 

Eight village councils in the Sukma District of Chhattisgarh State have passed a resolution declaring that Christians in these villages would either have to leave or renounce their faith.

If they fail to do either, then all their fields, belongings, and property would be looted. Approximately 100 Christians are affected by the order.

The Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion or belief under Article 25, but when questioned, a chief in the village of Michwar claimed that the rule of the village council superseded that of the Constitution.

Following his response, local Christians filed a written complaint at the police station in Michwar and provided audio evidence of what the village chief had said. However, the police initially refused to file a First Information Report which would have been required for them to open an investigation. Instead, they asked them to take them to their field.

When the Christians arrived, they found a mob of at least 1,500 people had looted their harvest and proceeded to demand that they renounce their faith or leave the village. The police subsequently left the area without offering further assistance.

Approximately 40 villagers from eight families whose fields were looted have moved away from their land and are now staying in a church building in Michwar.

Founder President of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) Mervyn Thomas said:

"CSW condemns the efforts of village authorities in Chhattisgarh to effectively outlaw Christianity in their villages, either by forcing villagers to renounce their faith or to leave their homes entirely.

"We call on state authorities to intervene as a matter of urgency, ensuring that reparations are made for any loss of or damage to property since the resolution was passed, and that Christians in these villages are free to return to their lives and livelihoods without fear of further threats, harassment or intimidation."