In recent weeks, several incidents of mob-led persecution have been reported, resulting in excommunication and severe attacks on Indian believers.
On 21 June 2025, in Malkangiri, Odisha, between 1,500 and 2,000 extremists and villagers attacked the Christian community because they left their tribal faith by accepting Jesus and Christianity. In the attack, more than 30 Christians were injured, with at least 20 of them being severely wounded.
A district pastor reported the incident to the police who brought the critically injured Christians to the hospital. Other believers have taken shelter in a local church.
Priya Sharma*, Open Doors’ local partner, shares, “We are providing urgent relief and medical assistance to the affected Christians, ensuring they are covered in prayer and supported during times like this.”
The incident highlights concern for the safety of the Christian community in the region, with previous reports indicating an increase in targeted attacks and harassment in various parts of Odisha.
More Incidents of Persecution Reported
On 18 May 2025, during a Sunday prayer service in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a group of religious extremists disrupted the ongoing worship by raising banners with slogans and singing their religious songs. The church pastor, along with a local Christian organisation, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the perpetrators at the police station. They urged the officer-in-charge to identify the culprits and take appropriate legal action to prevent such incidents from recurring, as well as ensure the safety of the church. There is no update on the police action yet.
Ten days later, on 28 May, social discrimination began for 20 Christian families in Keonjhar district of Odisha due to their faith in Jesus. The village shopkeepers are refusing to sell goods or provide groceries to the Christians, causing shortage of essential commodities for these families. This has affected their daily lives since most of them are daily wage earners. These believers now navigate great distress and hardship in addition to already struggling to make their ends meet. It is heartbreaking, and they are in urgent need of support and assistance.
*Name changed for security purposes
Pray for India
- Pray for God’s peace, strength, and comfort for the family of a Christian believer who was killed in Sukma. Pray their faith remains strong amidst grief and pain.
- Pray for the Christians injured in the Malkangiri attack, for their complete physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
- Pray for divine protection over Christians in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, especially those living in hostile environments.
- Pray for local pastors, leaders, and believers in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, that they will be bold, wise, and spirit-led in their response to the atrocities.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
