Displaying items by tag: Chhattisgarh state

Christians in India are requesting urgent prayers after the spread of viral videos inciting mob violence against them on 1 March. During a massive Hindu pilgrimage, Aadesh Soni accused Christians in Chhattisgarh state of killing cows and called for vigilante action. Another religious leader urged followers: ‘Do not ask for the death penalty for cow slayers. Kill them and ask for the death penalty for yourselves. Do not wait for the law to act.’ Social media platforms and WhatsApp groups are mobilising thousands to take part in the attacks. Though Soni later claimed he is not against Christians, believers remain fearful. Police are patrolling targeted villages, and Christians are calling on local authorities to prevent the violence. Chhattisgarh has long been a hotspot for Christian persecution, with over 130 attacks recorded in 2023 alone.