Thousands of Christians in Chhattisgarh Hold Peaceful Protest Against Anti-Conversion Law

JAGDALPUR, India — More than 30,000 Christians from seven districts across the Bastar region in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh gathered on Sunday, April 13, 2026, to stage a peaceful protest against a newly enacted religious conversion law that they say threatens constitutional freedoms.

The demonstrators, assembled at City Ground in Jagdalpur, described the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, as a “black law,” arguing that it could infringe upon fundamental rights guaranteed under India’s Constitution. The protest was organized by the Christian Unity Forum, Bastar Division (Esai Ekta Manch), with support from civil society groups and human rights advocates.

After a public meeting, participants marched through the city before submitting a memorandum to the Bastar Divisional Commissioner. The document was addressed to the state’s governor, Ramen Deka; the chief minister, Vishnu Deo Sai; and the home minister, Vijay Sharma.

Protest leaders contended that the legislation violates key constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25, which ensure equality before the law, freedom of expression, the right to life and personal liberty, and the freedom to practice and propagate religion.

“We fear this law will deepen discrimination against minority communities, especially Adivasi Christians in Bastar,” a representative of the Christian Unity Forum said during the demonstration.

Human rights groups have long flagged Chhattisgarh, particularly the Bastar region, as a flashpoint for violence against Christians. Data from organizations such as the United Christian Forum and reports by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have documented recurring incidents of harassment and attacks in recent years.

Protesters also pointed to social consequences they say are already emerging, including denial of burial rights in certain villages and mounting pressure on families who convert to Christianity.

The legislation was passed by the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on March 19, 2026, amid a walkout by opposition members from the Indian National Congress. It received gubernatorial assent on April 7, replacing a previous law dating back to 1968.

State officials from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have defended the measure as necessary to curb forced or fraudulent religious conversions, including those carried out through inducements or digital means. Mr. Sharma, the state’s home minister, has said the law does not prohibit voluntary conversions but is intended to protect vulnerable tribal communities.

Critics, however, argue that several provisions are overly broad and open to misuse. Terms such as “allurement” and “undue influence,” they say, lack clear definitions and could be used to target legitimate religious activity.

The law also requires individuals seeking to convert to notify authorities at least 60 days in advance. Violations can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines of up to 2.5 million rupees.

International rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have previously raised concerns about similar anti-conversion laws across India, warning that they risk criminalizing peaceful religious expression and disproportionately affecting minority groups.

Sunday’s protest is part of a broader wave of demonstrations that have followed the law’s passage. Earlier actions included a torchlight march in Raipur on March 22 and an attempted rally toward the state secretariat on March 28 that was halted by police.

While state authorities maintain that the law is aimed at preserving social harmony and preventing religious conflict, Christian leaders and rights advocates warn that its implementation could heighten communal tensions in a region already marked by religious and ethnic sensitivities. []