A leading Christian human-rights organisation working in south east Asia is demanding action by Sir Keir Starmer following the brutal murder of a Christian woman by her own Hindu relatives.
Bindu Sodhi, 46, from the village of Toylanka in Chhattisgarh, was assaulted with arrows and axes by fanatical Hindu relatives who opposed her conversion to Christianity four years ago.
She had faced ongoing threats, harassment and intimidation, which culminated in her tragic death over a land dispute when Sodhi’s family had tried to plough their fields during the monsoon season. Her body bore the marks of the attack, yet justice seems elusive as local authorities had failed to intervene, despite her family making numerous complaints of harassment.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh’s Christian community, as it highlights a worrying trend of religious intolerance and violence. The Chhattisgarh Christian Forum has condemned the murder, saying it undermines religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
Juliet Chowdhry of the British Asian Christian Association said: ‘We hope the new Prime Minister will help persecuted Christians in South Asia by engaging in diplomatic dialogues with regional governments and raising the issue at international forums.
‘They should allocate funds to NGOs and simplify asylum processes for those fleeing persecution. Additionally, leveraging trade agreements and considering targeted sanctions to encourage religious freedoms is crucial.
‘Sir Keir should also make public statements condemning persecution, support advocacy groups, and provide legal aid. Their leadership could significantly improve the lives of persecuted Christians in South Asia’.
