By Joel Lakra
A deeply troubling act of religious coercion has recently come to light in Bastar, a district located in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. In this shocking incident, a mob of more than 50 Hindu nationalists stormed the home of Jaldhar Kashyap, a local man, in the early hours of the morning, just after the death of his mother.
The mob’s intrusion took place as Kashyap and his family members were mourning their tragic loss, adding an additional layer of emotional distress to an already devastating moment.
This disturbing event took place in May 2024, at a time when Hindu nationalism has been rapidly gaining ground across the country, fueled by the ideological agenda of influential groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these groups have become more assertive and their message has resonated with an increasing number of people, leading to a shift in the political and social climate of India.
As Hindu nationalism continues to rise, it has fostered a climate of heightened tensions and divisions between religious communities, particularly in areas where minority religious and tribal groups reside. One such region that has experienced the brunt of these rising tensions is Bastar, a predominantly tribal and marginalized area in Chhattisgarh, where the implications of religious coercion have become more pronounced.
This region, long characterized by its diverse cultural fabric, is now a focal point of growing religious intolerance, as seen in the events surrounding Kashyap’s family.
According to reports, the Hindu nationalist mob, including both locals and outsiders, arrived at Jaldhar’s house demanding that the family renounce Christianity if they wished to bury their mother in the village graveyard. “Convert to Hinduism, or face persecution,” the group reportedly threatened. With no other means to avoid dire repercussions, many Christian families in this region are left with no option but to comply with such demands.
This coercive tactic is not an isolated event. Christian communities in Bastar and other areas have been increasingly targeted by the highly enthusiast groups within the Hindu nationalist movement, with WhatsApp serving as a key tool for organizing these attacks.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has played a central role in orchestrating such campaigns, using the social media platform to rally support, share extremist ideologies and coordinate actions against religious minorities.
Reports from local sources indicate that the Vishva Hindu Parishad has systematically mobilized attacks, aimed at undermining Christian communities and forcing conversions.
The situation has become so severe that many Christians in the region feel compelled to renounce their faith in order to secure their safety, avoid being ostracized, or protect their livelihoods.
Jaldhar’s experience reflects the broader challenges faced by religious minorities in India, where growing Hindu nationalist rhetoric has led to the marginalization and persecution of Christians and other non-Hindu groups. The death of Jaldhar’s mother, once a moment of personal loss, has now become a painful reminder of the escalating pressures to conform to an intolerant ideology.
As religious tensions continue to rise, the plight of minority communities in India grows increasingly urgent. Local activists and human rights organizations are calling for greater protection for religious minorities, urging the government to take action against the rise of forced conversions and religious persecution.