Christian families in Odisha face burial denial, pressured to reconvert to Hinduism

Two Christian families in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district were allegedly prevented from burying their dead and pressured to convert to Hinduism, triggering concern over recurring tensions in the region.

On April 13, the family of 65-year-old Raimati Gond in Dumurimunda village struggled for three days to secure a burial site after her death. The family, which had converted to Christianity, said local residents denied access to the village cemetery and insisted they reconvert to Hinduism. The burial was eventually carried out on private land after intervention from authorities.

A similar situation unfolded the same day in Andri village, about 40 kilometres away, where the family of 56-year-old Manika Santa said they were told they could perform the last rites only if they returned to Hinduism. Her body was kept at home as tensions rose in the village.

Families in both cases alleged that local authorities failed to act promptly and, in some instances, sided with those opposing the burials. The district administration said the matter had been resolved, but did not provide details on the delays.

Residents said such incidents are not new. Earlier this year, in Kopena village, a church was shut after opposition from local groups, and a family was forced to bury a child on private land following resistance over access to a burial ground.

Members of the Christian community said tensions have increased over the past year, with some alleging interference by right-wing groups and growing pressure on converts to return to Hinduism. They said fear has forced several families to avoid public religious gatherings.

Local officials have not publicly responded to all allegations. Police have also not issued a detailed statement on the incidents.

Community leaders say the situation reflects a broader pattern of disputes over religious practice and access to shared resources in tribal areas, where different faith groups had previously coexisted.