This is unbelievable cruelty.
In central India, a Christian family faces a harrowing ordeal after being targeted by adherents of a traditional tribal religion for their refusal to renounce their faith. Aayatu Ram Podiyami, aged 35, endured two vicious attacks in Gupanpal village, Sukma District, located approximately 31 miles from Sukma city in Chhattisgarh state, simply because he steadfastly held onto his Christian beliefs.
Despite managing to escape into the nearby jungle on both occasions, Aayatu’s father, Mangu Ram Podiyami, bore the brunt of the second assault. Aayatu recounted how his father, unable to match the agility of his attackers due to his advanced age, was mercilessly beaten until he lost consciousness. The attackers, presuming him dead, eventually ceased their assault.
Since seeking refuge at a secure location on February 12th, Aayatu, his wife, and his father have not dared to return home. Their absence weighs heavily on them, particularly as they long to reunite with their two young daughters, aged 7 and 4. Aayatu, being the sole surviving son among his siblings, also worries about the safety of his mother, his late brother’s widow and child, and his nephew who reside in their family home.
The threat looms large, preventing any thoughts of returning home to embrace their loved ones. Aayatu, expressing the depth of their predicament, shares that they are under constant surveillance, with their assailants waiting for an opportunity to strike again. In this dire situation, their only solace lies in faith, and Aayatu humbly appeals for prayers, acknowledging the absence of any clear path forward.
Despite enduring critical injuries and a prolonged hospital stay, Mangu Ram Podiyami continues to suffer from chest pain and difficulty breathing, indicating the severity of the assault and the long road to recovery ahead. The family’s resilience in the face of such adversity underscores the profound challenges faced by religious minorities in certain regions and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of solidarity and support in times of crisis.