The North Indian state of Rajasthan last week approved an anti-conversion law that makes it mandatory for people wishing to convert to another religion to inform authorities at least two months in advance.
International Christian Concern - 12/09/2024
In 23 of India’s 28 states, Christians endure discrimination and violence daily, according to a report by the New Delhi-based civil society organization United Christian Forum (UCF).
UCF’s “Violence Monitor Report 2024” compiled incidents reported from January to October through its helpline. The list of incidents includes physical violence, murder, sexual violence, intimidation and threats, social boycotts, damage to religious properties, desecration of religious symbols, and disruption of prayer services.
October data revealed that 12 cases targeted women specifically, while 14 incidents involved Dalit Christians, and 24 were against tribal Christians, reflecting the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities within the Christian population.
Around 673 incidents were reported on the UCF helpline this year through October, with two North Indian states, Uttar Pradesh (182) and Chhattisgarh (139), leading with the highest number of incidents.
Out of these 673 alleged incidents of violence and discrimination, only 47 cases were registered as First Information Reports (FIRs). Indian police only take cognizable action when a complaint gets registered as an FIR.
UCF National Coordinator A.C. Michael has alleged that it has become difficult for Christians to practice their faith in India as violence against Christians increases throughout the country each year.
According to UCF, in 2014, just before the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at the federal level, there were fewer than 100 incidents of violence against Christians. In 2018, there were nearly 300 incidents of violence against Christians. That number has increased every year since.
“In 2023, we recorded about 750 incidents, which means two Christians were attacked every day in our country,” Michael said while expressing a deep concern over the deteriorating conditions for Christians in India. “These are organized acts of violence by pro-Hindu groups targeting Christian faiths.”
Michael added that pastors are often detained under false allegations of forceful conversion, and no action is taken against the perpetrators of violence.