New Delhi: The Association for Protection of Civil Rights has condemned a rise in targeted violence, harassment, and systematic persecution directed at Christian communities across India during the Christmas period. The rights body described the pattern of incidents as coordinated and deliberate.
In a statement issued in the capital, APCR said reports from across the country point to repeated attacks on Christian beliefs, practices, and institutions. The group said these incidents reflect continuous violations of constitutional guarantees related to religious freedom, dignity, and equality before law.
Christian watchdog groups documented more than 60 incidents during the Christmas period alone. APCR monitoring recorded cases of mob violence, vandalism, and alleged institutional complicity. The organisation said such incidents show escalation rather than isolated conflict.
APCR cited an incident from December 20 at Prince of Peace Church in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. A Christmas charity programme for visually impaired children faced disruption when BJP district vice president Anju Bhargava allegedly assaulted Safalta Karthik, a visually impaired woman. According to APCR, video footage shows physical assault, verbal abuse, and demeaning remarks about her disability. Around 200 visually impaired children present at the event also faced verbal humiliation.
The group referred to other incidents where mobs linked to the RSS and Bajrang Dal allegedly torched churches, set Christian homes on fire, and damaged prayer halls. APCR said such actions aim to restrict and criminalise Christian religious expression.
APCR urged the Union government and state governments to initiate independent investigations, ensure swift prosecution, enforce police accountability, act against hate speech by public figures, establish an independent statutory body to monitor communal violence, and introduce mandatory human rights training for law enforcement.
The organisation expressed solidarity with Christians and other religious minorities facing violence and intimidation. It said legal and advocacy efforts will continue until accountability and justice follow.
