Rising Violence Against Christians
The recent surge in violence targeting Christians in India is alarming, with the United Christian Forum (UCF), a civil society organization based in Delhi, reporting a staggering 745 incidents by November 2024.
This figure represents a dramatic escalation compared to previous years; for instance, reported incidents rose from just 127 in 2014 to 734 in 2023, marking an alarming nearly six-fold increase over the past decade.
UCF emphasizes that this number may only scratch the surface of the true extent of violence.
They suspect that many instances remain unreported, particularly highlighting the situation in Manipur, which has seen intense sectarian conflict and significant destruction.
Last year alone, more than 200 churches were reported destroyed amid the unrest.
State-by-State Analysis
Among Indian states, Uttar Pradesh stands out with the highest number of recorded incidents—182 cases—while Chhattisgarh follows closely with 139.
In fact, UCF’s data shows that violence against Christians has been reported in 23 of India’s 28 states.
As the Christmas season approaches, UCF expresses a deep desire for peace throughout the nation.
They are calling on the government to take proactive steps to foster harmony among its diverse populations.
However, their concerns extend to the response—or lack thereof—of law enforcement.
According to a report by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), local police often seem to side with aggressors, frequently turning a blind eye to crimes committed against Christians.
Calls for Inquiry and Representation
Moreover, UCF points to troubling gaps in representation within governmental bodies.
There have been no Christian members on institutions like the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions for over five years.
The absence of Anglo-Indian reservations and unfilled seats reserved for Christians in state minority commissions further exacerbates this issue.
A petition addressing the activities of anti-Christian vigilante groups languishes unresolved in the Supreme Court of India, which has not taken any action since hearings began in 2022.
Additionally, UCF expressed concerns over anti-conversion laws perceived as politically motivated in twelve states.
They cited a recent Supreme Court observation warning that proposed amendments in Uttar Pradesh could diminish constitutional rights.
In light of these challenges, UCF advocates for a thorough national inquiry into the violence against Christians.
They draw a stark comparison to the swift responses seen in Bangladesh when minorities are attacked, highlighting a troubling lack of attention to similar incidents in India.
Since its inception in 2015, UCF’s helpline has been a vital resource for those in distress, providing guidance on engaging with authorities and accessing legal recourse.
As the climate of terror continues, the hope for a peaceful resolution lingers, leaving many to wonder about the future of communal harmony in India.
Source: Christian Today
