9/1/2025 India (International Christian Concern) — Six villages in the Kanker District of the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh passed resolutions prohibiting Christian pastors, priests, and so-called “conversion agents” from entering their areas.

Huge blue billboards in Hindi have been placed at entrances to these villages, warning against Christian activities.

The warning boards declare these villages off-limits to Christian missionaries or evangelists, citing constitutional provisions under the fifth schedule and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, also known as the PESA.

One notice board in Ghotiya village of Bhanupratappur Tehsil, Kanker District, Chhattisgarh, stated: “Prohibition of Conversion Activities.” The village prohibits pastors and priests from proselytizing and prevents outside Christians from having religious or conversion-related events.

The notice asserts that converting tribal people through allurements harms their cultural identity and poses a threat to the indigenous culture of Adivasis or tribals. So, a resolution was passed by the village council of Ghotiya.

The village council said it is passing this resolution under the PESA, which grants the right to protect cultural identity and traditional culture under Rule 4(d).

Photos of villagers standing next to the notice boards have been circulating on social media. They are often accompanied by captions stating how angry the villagers are about the religious conversions and activities, and the need to restrict them.

In 1996, the government of India enacted the PESA Act (Provisions of the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) to extend the spirit of self-governance and empower the village councils (Gram Sabha) to safeguard tribal traditions, customary laws, and community resources. It also includes the protection and control of natural resources to promote tribal self-rule and cultural preservation.

Chhattisgarh is one of the 10 states in India where the PESA is in force.

Christian leaders blame Hindu right-wing organizations that are active in Chhattisgarh for stirring up the village councils to pass the unconstitutional resolutions under the PESA.

Such resolutions prohibiting the movement of Christian missionaries were passed earlier by nearly 50 villages in 2014 in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh and were challenged in the courts.

It was contended that the ban was a blatant violation of fundamental rights per the constitution, and the provisions of PESA cannot have an overriding effect on them.

# # #