Christians in 23 of India’s 28 states endure daily discrimination and violence, according to the latest Violence Monitor Report 2024 by the New Delhi-based United Christian Forum (UCF).
The report highlights a grim reality for marginalized Christian communities, documenting incidents ranging from physical violence and murder to social boycotts and desecration of religious symbols.
The data, compiled through UCF’s helpline from January to October, underscores the severity of the challenges faced by India’s Christians.
Specific vulnerabilities are evident, with October figures revealing that 12 cases targeted women, 14 incidents involved Dalit Christians, and 24 were directed against tribal Christians.
“This year alone, 673 incidents have been reported to our helpline,” said UCF National Coordinator A.C. Michael in a report by the International Christian Concern. “These are organized acts of violence by pro-Hindu groups targeting Christian faiths.”
The report revealed that Uttar Pradesh (182 incidents) and Chhattisgarh (139 incidents) lead the country in the number of reported cases, highlighting a disturbing trend in North India.
Despite the high number of complaints, only 47 cases were registered as First Information Reports (FIRs), the first step in launching a formal police investigation.
“Pastors are often detained under false allegations of forceful conversion, and no action is taken against the perpetrators of violence,” Michael alleged, pointing to the systemic barriers Christians face in seeking justice.
The UCF report also traces the sharp increase in violence against Christians to 2014, coinciding with the rise to power of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“In 2014, there were fewer than 100 incidents of violence against Christians. By 2018, the number had risen to nearly 300. In 2023, we recorded about 750 incidents, which means two Christians were attacked every day in our country,” Michael said.
The UCF’s findings reflect a growing concern over religious freedom in India, particularly for minorities.
As Christians continue to face threats to their faith and personal safety, the report serves as a call to action for government authorities to address systemic discrimination and ensure protection for vulnerable communities.
