Increased aggression against Christians in India in 2024 marked by notable escalation
In the year 2024, India witnessed a significant escalation in religious violence against Christians, with a reported 834 incidents, marking a substantial increase from previous years[1]. This surge in violence has had grave consequences for the affected communities.
### Causes of the Increase
1. **Accusations of Forced Conversions**: Many attacks are fuelled by allegations of forced conversions, which are frequently used by Hindu nationalists as a pretext to target Christian communities[1]. 2. **Rise of Hindu Nationalism**: The influence of Hindu nationalist groups, such as the Bajrang Dal, has contributed to the escalation of violence. These groups often perceive Christian missionary activities as a threat to Hindu dominance[2]. 3. **Socio-political Tensions**: The formation of Hindu nationalist state governments in regions like Odisha has heightened tensions, leading to increased threats against Christians[2].
### Impact
1. **Physical Harm and Fear**: Incidents have resulted in physical injuries and deaths, creating an atmosphere of fear. Many Christians have become wary of attending church services due to threats and violence[4]. 2. **Social Ostracization**: Christians face social ostracization and discrimination, further marginalizing them in their communities[1]. 3. **Economic Consequences**: Violence and fear can have economic impacts by limiting access to education and employment opportunities for Christians.
### Government Response
1. **Legal Action**: While some legal actions have been taken, such as filing formal complaints, there is a general perception that these are insufficient. In many cases, more serious charges related to religious hate crimes are not invoked[2]. 2. **Lack of Arrests**: Despite incidents of violence, arrests are often not made, leading to a sense of impunity among perpetrators[3]. 3. **Mixed Signals**: The government's response is mixed, with some officials acknowledging the need for action while others seem to downplay the severity of the situation. This inconsistency can exacerbate tensions[1].
The Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has documented an unprecedented surge in violence and discrimination against Christians in India in 2024[5]. The EFI calls for improvements in legal safeguards for victims of religious persecution, the prevention of the misuse of anti-conversion laws against innocent individuals, and ensuring fair and unbiased legal proceedings in cases involving religious minorities[6].
In numerous cases, pastors conducting routine prayer services have been arrested and charged with forced conversion without evidence[7]. The EFI also urges the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure police protection for Christian communities at risk of attacks[8]. The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the EFI emphasizes the importance of upholding these rights to ensure every Indian can worship freely and without fear[9].
Tragically, 4 Christians were reported murdered in 2024 due to their faith[10]. In Uttar Pradesh, religious extremist groups frequently raid prayer services and accuse Christians of coercion, but law enforcement action has led to the arrest of victims rather than those responsible for the violence[11]. The chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, has announced plans to seek the death penalty for those who engage in forced or fraudulent religious conversions[12].
In conclusion, the increase in religious violence against Christians in India underscores the urgent need for a more robust and consistent response from the government to protect minority rights and ensure safety for all citizens. The EFI's calls for action and reform are critical steps towards ensuring religious freedom and safety for all Indians.
[1] EFI Report 2024: https://efiindia.org/resources/annual-report-on-religious-liberty-2024/ [2] The Hindu, "Rise in Attacks on Christians in India" (2024): https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rise-in-attacks-on-christians-in-india/article32057901.ece [3] India Today, "Why Aren't Perpetrators of Anti-Christian Violence Being Arrested?" (2024): https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/why-arent-perpetrators-of-anti-christian-violence-being-arrested-1876295-2024-06-01 [4] BBC, "Fear and Intimidation: The Persecution of Christians in India" (2024): https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57279673 [5] EFI Press Release (2024): https://efiindia.org/press-release/unprecedented-surge-in-violence-and-discrimination-against-christians-in-india-in-2024/ [6] EFI Urges Government to Protect Religious Minorities (2024): https://efiindia.org/news/efi-urges-government-to-protect-religious-minorities/ [7] EFI Report 2024: https://efiindia.org/resources/annual-report-on-religious-liberty-2024/ [8] EFI Urges Government to Ensure Police Protection for Christian Communities (2024): https://efiindia.org/news/efi-urges-government-to-ensure-police-protection-for-christian-communities/ [9] EFI Emphasizes the Importance of Upholding Freedom of Religion (2024): https://efiindia.org/news/efi-emphasizes-the-importance-of-upholding-freedom-of-religion/ [10] EFI Report 2024: https://efiindia.org/resources/annual-report-on-religious-liberty-2024/ [11] EFI Report 2024: https://efiindia.org/resources/annual-report-on-religious-liberty-2024/ [12] The Indian Express, "Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav Announces Death Penalty for Forced Conversions" (2024): https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-cm-mohan-yadav-announces-death-penalty-for-forced-conversions-8303703/
- As the religious violence against Christians in India continues to escalate, the general-news media outlets have been increasingly reporting on this issue, raising awareness about the causes and impact of these attacks.
- In response to the rise in crime and justice-related incidents targeting Christians, human rights organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) have urged the government to take stronger action, including improving legal safeguards, preventing the misuse of anti-conversion laws, and ensuring fair legal proceedings for religious minorities.
