19-07-2025
Sharp rise in attacks on Christians in northern India casts a shadow on BJP's outreach in Kerala
Even as the State leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensifies its outreach to the Christian community ahead of the upcoming local body and Assembly elections, a sharp rise in attacks on Christians in northern India is casting a shadow on the initiative.
According to data compiled by the United Christian Forum (UCF), a Christian movement, the number of reported incidents targeting Christians has surged dramatically over the past decade — from 127 cases in 2014 to 834 in 2024 — raising concerns about the safety and inclusivity of the political landscape.
Demanding immediate intervention, the UCF has approached the Vatican, seeking its support over the growing number of such attacks in India.
'A memorandum about the targeted violence and hostility towards the Christian community in India was handed over to Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Foreign Minister of the Vatican, who is on a visit to India, by Anil J.T. Couto, Archbishop of Delhi and Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, on behalf of the UCF,' said A.C. Michael, national coordinator of the UCF.
'In 2024, the UCF recorded 834 incidents of violence and hostility towards Christians or individuals, compared to the 734 cases reported in 2023. The primary reason for these attacks has been false allegations of fraudulent conversions. Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are the top two States where such allegations have led to either attacks on people at prayer or their illegal arrest by the police,' stated the memorandum.
'A large number of Catholic priests and nuns faced arrests, attacks, and legal actions in northern India. It is an alarming situation for missionaries.'
'It's a reality that in India religious persecution of minorities, particularly of Christians, has rose significantly in the past decade. This is evidenced by data both of government institutions as well as private organisations. While physical and mental torture is abominable, what is more alarming is the denial of religious rights of Christians. That's a constitutional violation, ' said Fr. Jose Vallikkatt, a Catholic priest based in Bathinda.
'These attacks are not just random acts of violence; they are carefully orchestrated and perpetrated with impunity. The perpetrators, frequently affiliated with extremist nationalist groups, seek to intimidate and marginalise the community, undermining their right to freedom of religion and belief,' said Fr. Suresh Mathew, former editor of Indian Currents Weekly and a Catholic priest based in Punjab.
'Despite repeated assurances of protection and justice, authorities have failed to take decisive action against the perpetrators, allowing a culture of impunity to thrive,' he said.
