(Photo: CSW)
In a troubling series of events in Midapalli, Maharashtra State, India, four Christian families have found themselves homeless after their neighbors demolished their houses, demanding they abandon their faith.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has reported a concerning lack of action from local authorities, urging them to step in and resolve the matter.
The conflict erupted on January 11, when villagers confronted the Christians with a demand to renounce Christianity, threatening violence if ignored.
Escalating the next day, a group of approximately 20 villagers forcibly destroyed the homes of the Christian families. When the affected families sought help from the police, they were met with hostility, as the police sided with the aggressors.
The authorities threatened to revoke the Christians’ identity cards and ration supplies, questioning their choice to follow Christianity, especially as members of a tribal community. This official stance has only intensified hostilities, with further death threats from the villagers.
In a further act of discrimination, police summoned the local pastor on January 14, labeling his sermons as “superstition” and forbidding him from visiting village families.
Currently, the estimated 25 Christians in Midapalli endure the cold winter in the wreckage of their homes. They intend to escalate their plea for justice by reaching out to the District Collector.
Expressing deep concern, Mervyn Thomas, founder and president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, stated, “It is deeply concerning to witness the grave and unacceptable assault and humiliation these families have been subjected to on account of their religion. Even more alarming is the failure of the police to protect these vulnerable citizens, which has emboldened the perpetrators.”
Thomas further urged, “We call upon the district administration and state authorities to intervene as matter of urgency, ensuring the safety of the affected families, restoring their rights, compensating them for the loss of their homes, and holding those responsible to account under the law.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
