23 Jul. 24: The United Christian Forum (UCF) has formally submitted a memorandum to Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, highlighting the escalating violence and hostility against the Christian community. The memorandum, submitted on Saturday, underscores a troubling increase in targeted attacks.
In 2023 alone, the UCF recorded 733 incidents of violence against Christians, averaging 61 incidents per month. These figures, based on calls received by the UCF, exclude incidents from Manipur, which has faced continuous violence since May 2023.
“As of June 2024, we have documented 361 incidents targeting Christians or individuals with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” the memorandum, signed by UCF National President Dr. Michael William, stated.
“False allegations of fraudulent conversions have primarily fueled these attacks, with Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh leading with 96 and 92 incidents, respectively.”
The UCF’s memorandum outlined several key recommendations to address this pressing issue:
- The Ministry of Home Affairs should train state and central police and judiciary on human rights and religious freedom.
- The central government should advise state governments to repeal anti-conversion laws.
- Every state should ensure the operational status of Human Rights and Minorities Commissions.
- Violent acts against religious and tribal minorities and Dalits should be prevented and pursued through the judicial process.
- Increase opportunities for dialogue among religious leaders, legal experts, and civil society to address allegations of improper conversions.
- Ensure adequate compensation for individuals targeted for their faith who have suffered loss of life and property and those wrongly accused under anti-conversion laws.
- Provide financial assistance and grants to Christian mission schools and colleges offering nearly free education to tribal, Dalit, and economically disadvantaged children.
- Urgently implement the recommendations of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities to stop using religion as a criterion for determining eligibility for Scheduled Caste membership.
“In light of these grave concerns, immediate intervention is urgently requested to safeguard the rights and dignity of the Christian community in India. The implementation of these recommendations is crucial and will significantly contribute to fostering peace and tolerance in the country,” Dr. William emphasized.
