Tension has resurfaced in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district after 26 Christian families alleged that they were forced to leave their village following a dispute linked to religious conversion. The affected families claim they were asked to vacate their homes by fellow villagers and are now living under trees on the outskirts of the village.

The incident was reported from Bharanda village under Bharanda police station limits, where authorities have deployed a large police force to prevent any escalation. Officials said efforts are underway to maintain peace and hold discussions with both sides.

According to members of the Christian community, villagers approached their homes on Tuesday and instructed them to leave the settlement. The families allege they were compelled to move out and have since been sheltering in open areas outside the village. They insist they do not want to leave their native village and are seeking administrative intervention.

On the other hand, several villagers have linked the dispute to religious conversion and claim that a growing number of residents have adopted Christianity in recent years. They argue that the development has affected traditional tribal customs, social practices and cultural identity in the village.

Residents opposing the Christian families have reportedly stated that they would have no objection if the families returned to their original faith. The differing positions have deepened divisions within the community and added to an already sensitive situation.

Sources familiar with the matter said the atmosphere in Bharanda has remained tense since December 2025. While sporadic disagreements were reported earlier, the situation worsened after a clash between two groups on June 9. The confrontation reportedly resulted in injuries, including to some women.

Police and administrative officials had intervened at that time and managed to restore temporary calm. However, the issue has once again come to the forefront over the past two days, triggering fresh unrest in the village.

Members of the Christian community, including Sant Ram Dugga, Chaitu Kumeti and Manayaku Vatti, have alleged that they are being targeted because of their religious beliefs. They claim they have lived in the village for years and are now facing social exclusion and pressure to leave.

The dispute has also affected movement in the area. According to local reports, villagers placed wooden logs on roads, partially blocking access routes within the village. Security personnel have since been monitoring the situation closely.

Given the sensitivity of the matter, Narayanpur Police have turned the village into a high-security zone. Additional personnel have been stationed to prevent any confrontation between the two sides and ensure law and order is maintained.

Officials are continuing dialogue with community representatives and village leaders in an effort to resolve the dispute peacefully. No fresh incidents of violence had been reported at the time of filing this report, though tensions remain high.

The latest controversy comes days after another dispute linked to alleged religious conversion activities in Narayanpur drew attention. In that incident, villagers objected to the arrival of individuals, including a pastor, in a vehicle carrying a “Press” sign, leading to a confrontation and reports of injuries.

Authorities have not announced any final resolution yet, and the situation in Bharanda village continues to be closely monitored.