Published on June 10, 2024, 12:31 am

Image source: Fox News

In a disturbing report of religious persecution, a young Christian widow in Chhattisgarh state, India, lives in fear and anonymity following the brutal murder of her husband due to his Christian faith. Jime Kawasi witnessed the gruesome killing of her spouse, Kosa Kawasi, who was only 22 at the time of his death.

The incident happened on May 4th when a mob led by close relatives invaded their residence in Bastar District’s Kapanar village. They demanded that Kosa renounce his Christian faith and return to Hinduism. On Kosa’s refusal, they assaulted the couple mercilessly and even stabbed him thrice in his stomach.

Despite his severe condition, Jime Kawasi and her younger brother-in-law managed to whisk him away from the violent crowd and call for medical help. Regrettably, while awaiting emergency medical assistance, members of the mob attempted to slit the injured man’s throat. Ultimately, it was a fatal ax blow to the head by his own uncle that resulted in Kosa’s untimely demise.

This horrifying episode is not an isolated incident but part of an escalating pattern where Christians face mounting pressure amid cultural and religious tensions. For instance, villagers decided that entire families could be barred from local festivities if even one member identified as Christian. This restriction inflamed familial tensions, leading to Kosa’s tragic murder with other Christian families fleeing their homes fearing similar repurcussions.

Regrettably, police intervention has been inadequate so far. Although authorities were alerted multiple times concerning threats against Christians’ lives in this village – including detailed reports from Kosa himself – these warnings have been seemingly disregarded until now.

Even after this brutal killing unfolded publicly within their community and two arrests have been made so far; no additional action has subsequently taken place to ensure safety or justice for those affected – particularly Jime Kawasi.

Living under assumed safety miles away from her hometown, Jime continues to stay resilient in her faith amidst troubling circumstances. She said, “I want to continue to follow and serve Jesus… It was for this Jesus that my husband was willing to be faithful to the point of death; I, too, will follow in his footsteps. Please pray for me.”

Her situation is reflective of the dire state of religious freedom inside India; a nation currently listed as 11th place on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List – a catalog evaluating territories harsh toward Christianity. India’s ranking has deteriorated rapidly from 31st place in 2013 due to increasing Hindu nationalist movements that have emboldened anti-Christian outbreaks since May 2014.

Such incidents highlight the need, more than ever before, for trusted news outlets providing real news with a Christian worldview – shining a light on the escalating persecution and victimisation underreported so often. Through accurate reporting and informative narrative, we hope for improved global awareness about these grave issues and decisive interventions by involved authorities.