New Delhi: Releasing its 2024 annual report on the persecution of Christians, the United Christian Forum (UCF) expressed grave concern over the unchecked rise in attacks against the community. The UCF warned that continued persecution, compounded by government inaction, could erode the identity and existence of Christians in India well before 2050.
The report highlights a disturbing trend, documenting a dramatic increase in violence against Christians since the BJP came to power at the Centre and in several states. Attacks surged from 127 incidents in 2014 to 834 by December 2024. Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, both BJP-ruled states, have emerged as hotspots of hate, mob violence, and social ostracization, with law enforcement personnel complicit in these acts, alleged the report.
The violence peaked during the Christmas 2024, with 14 separate attacks on Christian gatherings across the country. “These are not just statistics; they represent real lives – families torn apart, communities destroyed, and individuals shattered because of their faith,” UCF officials emphasised.
The report notes 209 incidents in Uttar Pradesh and 165 in Chhattisgarh, warning that these numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg.
“Many attacks go unreported due to fear of retaliation, fostered by an environment of impunity and political patronage,” UCF stated.
Fear permeates the Christians, with cultural policing defining who qualifies as a “true” Indian and targeting those perceived as outsiders. Over the past decade, numerous innocent pastors and their families have been imprisoned, with over 100 still in custody as of 2024, often denied bail. “The justice process itself has become a form of punishment,” the report observed.
The UCF called this a brewing crisis that jeopardises India’s global reputation as a democracy committed to the rule of law and fundamental rights. “The Christian community, historically a peaceful and integral part of India’s pluralistic society, is now living in fear,” said Michael Williams, UCF President.
Despite outreach efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government to engage with Christian leaders in several States, the escalation in violence persists. Shocked by these developments, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 Church groups submitted an urgent appeal to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi on December 31, 2024, urging immediate action to halt the persecution.
The report documented 834 incidents in 2024, but only 59 were registered as FIRs, leaving the majority without formal investigation. The data revealed significant impacts on vulnerable groups, including 154 women, 342 Dalits and 354 Tribals.
Specific categories of violence included 149 cases of physical assault, 209 incidents of property damage, 798 instances of intimidation and harassment, and 331 restrictions on religious assemblies.
The UCF called for transparent enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom and minority rights, emphasising the need for unbiased investigations and accountability for perpetrators.
