India: Persecuted Christian Couple Forced Into Hiding, “I Will Not Renounce Christ”

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A Christian couple in India’s Chhattisgarh state have had to leave their children with relatives and go into hiding after being attacked by neighbors who demanded they recant their faith in Christ, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.

Aayatu Ram Podiyami of Gupanpal village in Sukma District, Chhattisgarh state, was attacked on two occasions by villagers who follow a traditional tribal religion. During the second assault, Aayatu’s father was beaten unconscious and hospitalized for being associated with him.

Aayatu and his wife went into hiding on Feb. 12, leaving their two young daughters with his mother and other relatives. “I cannot go back home to see my children,” Aayatu Podiyami told MSN. “Our assailants are on the watch, eyeing our house, waiting for me to return. God is our only hope. Please pray for us.”

“I will not renounce my faith even if I have to leave my home, my village,” Aayatu explained. “If I go back, they will kill me. I have two children, and I have to think of them. If the situation does not improve, I will relocate to a different place and work as a daily laborer and provide for my family, but I will not renounce Christ.”

Mirroring the all too frequent experience of Christians persecuted in India, no police action was taken in regard to the attacks on Aayatu and his family. The family has nevertheless decided to take the matter further. “A complaint is lodged with the National Human Rights Commission about the police deliberately indulging in and supporting attacks,” Arun Pannalal, chairman of Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, told MSN.

India ranks 11 on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

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