Odisha: Mayurbhanj District Christians Harassed During Prayer Time

Mayurbhanj. Odisha Christians from Mayurbhanj home district of Indian President Smt. Droupadi Murmu were harassed during Prayer time.

“In recent times, several incidents of harassment against Christians during prayer gatherings have been reported from different parts of Odisha. These disturbing events have raised serious concerns about religious freedom, constitutional rights, and the safety of minority communities in India,” says Bipra Charan Nayak the former president of Kandhamal Survivor Association.

“Prayer is a sacred and peaceful act in every religion, For Christians, it is a time of spiritual reflection, worship, and unity. However, in some areas, believers have been interrupted, threatened, and everi attacked while praying in their homes or churches. Such actions not only violate the dignity of individuals but also challenge the democratic and secular values of the nation,” continues Nayak.

The Christians belonging to Christian Evangelical Assembly, protestant congregation led by Pastor Jagannath Naik gathered on February 22, 2026 in Badabli Chua village, block Bisoi of Mayurbhanj home district of Indian President for a prayer service. They were harassed and assaulted by the miscreants.

“About 50 anti-social people forcibly entered to our place of Sunday service with deadly weapons and stopped our prayer service,” says the Pastor.
“Your prayer making our gods and goddesses unhappy so you must stop your prayer service, the miscreants said,” continues Naik.

According the pastor the incident turned into violence, when the anti-social people attacked his wife and confronted him while he attempted to record the incident on his mobile phone. He claimed he was pushed to the ground, kicked and pressurised to delete the video footage. An elderly woman who intervened was also reportedly assaulted.

The victims contacted the police emergency helpline following the incident. According to the pastor, they were informed that officers were attending to a road accident and would arrive later. He said no personnel reached the scene at that time.

The victims travelled on 23rd February to Bisoi Police Station, located about eight kilometres from the village, to file the case.

“The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion. Articles 25 and 26 clearly state that people have the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their faith without fear or discrimination. Harassment during prayer is therefore not only morally wrong but also unconstitutional,” says Jospeh Kerketta a Catholic priest from Balasore diocese which comprises districts of Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar.
Christians in Odisha, many of whom belong to poor and marginalized communities, often gather for prayer to find hope, strength, and unity. When these gatherings are disturbed, it creates fear and insecurity among families, especially women and children,” affirms Kerketta.

Kerketta continues harassment of Christians during prayer time is a serious issue that demands attention from society and the government. India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity. Protecting religious freedom and ensuring peaceful coexistence is the responsibility of every citizen.

As the Bible reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Promoting peace, justice, and harmony is the need of the hour so that Odisha continues to be a land of unity and respect for all.

This article was originally published on https://www.indiancatholicmatters.org/odisha-mayurbhanj-district-christians-harassed-during-prayer-time/