Violent cases against Christians on the rise in India: says UCF Report
New Delhi: The United Christian Forum (UCF) in its latest report has said that incidents of violence against Christians have shown no signs of abating mostly after the Hindutva BJP government came into power in India .
According to Kashmir Media Service, the organisation’s “Violence Monitor Report 2024” documents a staggering 673 cases of violence against Christians till October this year, with only 47 of these cases resulting in First Information Reports (FIRs) being registered by the Indian police.
The data sheds light on the severity of religious intolerance across the country, with BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh emerging as the state with the highest number of incidents (182), followed by Chhattisgarh (139). A total of 23 out of India’s 28 states reported incidents, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue.
A total of 673 incidents of violence against Christians were recorded till October 2024, with only 47 FIRs registered, highlighting persistent issues of faith-based discrimination
The UCF National Coordinator, AC Michael, while expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation for Christians in the country, said: “It has become increasingly difficult for the Christian population to practice their faith in India. What we are witnessing is a systematic rise in violence and intimidation,” he told the media.
Michael provided an alarming historical perspective. “In 2014, there were fewer than 100 incidents of violence against Christians. By 2018, this number had risen to 292, and since then, the numbers have only escalated. In 2023, we recorded approximately 750 incidents. This means that, on average, two Christians are attacked every day in our country.”
The trend has persisted in 2024, with 69 incidents reported in January alone. February and March saw 64 and 68 incidents, respectively, while September marked a sharp rise with 96 reported cases.
The report catalogues a wide range of violent acts, including physical assaults, murder, sexual violence, intimidation, social boycotts, and destruction of property. Religious sites have been particularly vulnerable, with several instances of desecration and disruptions to worship services.
October’s data reveals that 12 cases targeted women specifically, while 14 incidents involved Dalit Christians, and 24 were against tribal Christians. This reflects the intersectional vulnerabilities faced by marginalised communities within the Christian population.
The UCF report also points to systemic issues in law enforcement. Michael said that the BJP govts and its police often fail to register cases, with only 47 FIRs filed out of 673 incidents this year. “Instead of protecting the victims, the police have been targeting them,” Michael claimed. He highlighted cases where priests were detained on “false charges of conversion” rather than action being taken against perpetrators of violence.
Michael further accused certain groups of orchestrating the violence. “Organisations targeting Christian beliefs are systematically carrying out these acts. This is not random; it’s a well-planned campaign against a particular faith,” he said.
The findings of the UCF align with the observations of international bodies. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) highlighted India’s “continuously deteriorating and concerning” religious freedom situation in its 2024 Country Update.
The USCIRF report has repeatedly called on the Indian government to address systemic issues that contribute to religious discrimination and violence. However, critics argue that the recommendations have yet to translate into tangible change on the ground.
While violence is often thought to be concentrated in rural or conflict-prone areas, the UCF report notes incidents in urban regions, including the national capital. This year, four cases were recorded in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Even in metropolitan areas, Christians are not safe,” said Michael, pointing out that the capital’s status as a cultural and administrative hub has not deterred acts of violence.
The UCF has called for stronger legal protections and swift action against perpetrators to safeguard the Christian community’s rights. Activists have also emphasised the need for dialogue between communities and stricter enforcement of existing laws to curb hate crimes.
As the year draws to a close, the growing number of reported cases underscores the urgent need for government intervention. “These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the lives and dignity of individuals. The time for action is now,” Michael concluded.
This report serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in India, raising critical questions about the country’s commitment to upholding its constitutional promise of secularism and equality for all.
