Churches in Chhattisgarh district display warning notices for non-Christian visitors

Warning Banners

Over ten churches and community homes in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district have put up warning banners outside their premises, telling non-Christians they enter at their own responsibility. The notices state that only Christians are allowed inside for prayers, and anyone else who comes of their own free will must take personal responsibility for their choice.

The Trigger

The move follows a new anti-conversion law in Chhattisgarh that requires people changing their faith to submit a formal self-declaration to authorities. Over a thousand non-Christians recently submitted such forms to state authorities after visiting churches voluntarily.

Official Stance

Dr Diamond Filus, general secretary of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum, said the banners are a precautionary measure following tensions and a September 15 peace meeting called by the police. At that meeting, groups like Bajrang Dal and Sarva Adivasi Samaj objected to non-Christians attending church services. Shivnarayan Pandey, a spokesperson for the ruling BJP, stated that the issue is social rather than political, adding that the tribal community opposes conversions because they create divisions and infighting.