India Witnesses Alarming Surge in Christian Persecution

Bangalore, December 31, 2024: India has witnessed a staggering increase in violence against Christians in 2024, with 745 incidents reported by the United Christian Forum (UCF) through its helpline by the end of November. This figure, which reflects an average of over two attacks per day, marks a sharp rise in targeted assaults against the Christian community, excluding incidents from Manipur, where sectarian violence has been rampant. The attacks, often attributed to communal tensions and anti-conversion laws, are part of a disturbing trend that has seen an increase in such violence year on year since 2014.

The UCF's findings also highlight that violence against Christians has been particularly severe in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where 182 and 139 incidents respectively were recorded. These states, governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been at the center of the rise in religiously motivated violence. The situation has been exacerbated by anti-conversion laws in twelve states, which critics argue have been weaponized to target Christians. In addition, local police have been accused of colluding with perpetrators, leading to widespread impunity.

The UCF's National Coordinator, A.C. Michael, called for a national-level inquiry into these rising incidents of persecution. He also noted that a petition for stricter action against vigilante groups, pending in the Supreme Court since 2022, has yet to receive further hearings. Despite this, the Christian community remains hopeful, especially as the Christmas season approaches, and continues to pray for peace and justice for all citizens.

By Catholic Connect Reporter