His wife fears for her life.
A month after fleeing for her life, Jime Kawasi, a young widow from Chhattisgarh, India, lives in constant fear after witnessing her husband, Kosa Kawasi, being murdered due to his Christian faith. The attack, which occurred on May 4 in Bastar District, involved Kosa being assaulted and stabbed by a mob that included his own relatives. Despite Jime’s efforts to save her husband, he was ultimately killed with an axe by his uncle and cousin.
The incident forced Jime to escape from Kapanar village and take refuge far from the crime scene. The other five Christian families in the village, unable to locate Jime, also fled on the same day. These families included elderly members and young children, highlighting the widespread fear and danger faced by the Christian community in the area.
Kosa Kawasi had been under significant pressure from his family and villagers to renounce Christianity and return to Hinduism. The village had even banned Christian families from participating in local tribal festivals. Despite repeated threats and previous complaints to the police, no action was taken to protect Kosa and other Christians, leaving them vulnerable to violence.
During the attack, Jime and Kosa’s younger brother tried to protect him and call for an ambulance, but the mob’s violence escalated. Police eventually arrived, but not in time to prevent Kosa’s death. Jime was later found hospitalized for injuries sustained during the assault, and she remains terrified by the brutality of the incident.
Police arrested Dasru and Madiya Kawasi on homicide charges, but no further arrests have been made. The lack of adequate protection and the delayed response by authorities highlight the severe challenges and dangers faced by Christians in the region. Jime’s story underscores the urgent need for greater protection and justice for religious minorities in India.