Christians in India suffer extreme violence

In late March 2024, a worrying report was issued detailing an alarming rise in violence directed against Christians in India. The report is based on data collected between January 1 and March 15 of this year, using information obtained through calls and complaints received on the toll-free telephone number of the United Christian Forum (UCF) organization. The UCF, a New Delhi-based association that was formed in 2014 with the purpose of uniting Christian organizations for the defense of Christian rights in India, has been actively advocating for the protection of this community in a climate of growing hostility from 2022.

Statistics reveal that regions such as Chhattisgarh in the northwest and Uttar Pradesh in the north are particularly affected by attacks against Christians. The SIT has been insisting for some time on the seriousness of the situation, highlighting incidents where even the right to a proper Christian burial is denied, and others are expelled from their homes and suffer physical and verbal violence.

The report notes that during the first 75 days of 2024, 161 incidents directed at the Christian community were reported, including threats, physical attacks and destruction of property. Michael lamented the significant erosion of human rights and protections for Christians in this period, suggesting an increasingly hostile environment towards religious minorities.

In some states, such as Uttar Pradesh, where the government is led by extremist monk Yogi Adityanath of the Hindu nationalist party, there is worrying collaboration between state authorities and local attackers, with false accusations of conversion used to harass Christian leaders.

The SIT continues to insist on the need to engage government leaders to take strong action against perpetrators of violence, ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and safety of Christians in India. We hope that you will ensure peaceful and fair elections, as you continue your call to end this escalation of religion-based violence and discrimination towards Christians.