Christian Women Leaders and Community Representatives Urge President to Act on Rising Persecution

New Delhi, February 14, 2025 - Christian women leaders, along with religious heads and community representatives, have submitted an urgent appeal by email to President Draupadi Murmu highlighting the escalating persecution of Christian women across multiple states in India.

The appeal draws attention to a recent incident in Chhattisgarh where Kunika Kashyap, a six-month pregnant Tribal woman, suffered a miscarriage after being attacked for her Christian faith. The incident occurred on January 2, 2025, when she was assaulted by the village headman and his family members for praying for a sick relative.

The letter documents numerous cases of violence against Christian women across several states:

·   In Chhattisgarh: Multiple incidents of physical violence, including killings and false accusations leading to judicial remand

·   In Jharkhand: Cases of ostracism, isolation, and forced religious conversions

·   In Manipur: Ongoing crisis since May 2023, with documented cases of murder, sexual violence, and displacement

·   In Punjab and Tamil Nadu: Reports of forced sex work, family abuse, and community ostracism

The appeal emphasises that these attacks represent a deliberate campaign of persecution that threatens both religious freedom and constitutional rights. The signatories have requested the President's intervention to ensure:

·   Prompt investigation of all reported cases

·   Protection for vulnerable Christian women

·   Action against perpetrators

·   Implementation of constitutional safeguards

By Catholic Connect Reporter