Anti-Christian Violence in India: A Disturbing Trend Unveiled at a Public Hearing
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In a stark revelation of growing religious tensions, a public hearing in New Delhi brought to light alarming incidents of violence against Christians in India. At the core of the discussion was a recent incident in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar District, where the grave of a Christian buried two decades ago was desecrated by local followers of a tribal religion.
Degree Prasad Chouhan, a human rights attorney, shared the disturbing account at the “People’s Tribunal on Violence Against Christians in India,” organized by Karwan-e-Mohabbat and other concerned citizens. This tribunal, held at the Constitution Club, aimed to spotlight increasing hostilities faced by the Christian community across various states.
More than 200 attendees, including survivors, legal experts, and human rights defenders from states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, testified before a panel of scholars and activists. This was only the second such hearing since the tragic Kandhamal riots of 2008, highlighting the persistent threats faced by Christians.
John Dayal, a seasoned journalist and activist, recounted historical violence against Christians, including the 1999 killing of missionary Graham Staines and his sons. Dayal criticized the initial judicial response, which seemed to blame Staines for the attacks. “What we have heard today is this design, this conspiracy of the government, to which the state is blind,” he said, pointing to systemic negligence.
Vidya Dinker, another tribunal panelist, emphasized the need for stronger leadership within the Christian community. Referring to the Staines case, she urged Christian leaders to exhibit resilience against the ongoing onslaughts.
When the Dead Cannot Rest
Syeda Hameed, a prominent public figure, recounted her harmonious childhood in India, contrasting it with the current climate of conflict. She condemned the desecration of graves, calling it “the greatest atrocity” against Christians. Father Ajay Singh echoed this sentiment, highlighting the denial of burial rights as a profound humiliation.
Irfan Engineer, a panelist, criticized the narrative of ghar wapsi, which is used to justify reconversion pressures on Christians. He stressed the importance of maintaining genuine freedom of conscience within India’s constitutional framework.
Prayer Meetings as ‘Crimes’
A.C. Michael of the United Christian Forum detailed how peaceful Christian gatherings are increasingly seen as threats under anti-conversion laws. He highlighted that these laws, prevalent in several BJP-governed states, often criminalize prayer meetings.
Reports indicate a pattern of underreporting and misdirected legal actions, with victims often being targeted instead of perpetrators. Despite the Supreme Court’s dismissal of certain anti-conversion cases, hostilities persist.
Historian Tanika Sarkar noted that newer Christian congregations and house churches are disproportionately affected, reflecting a broader hostility towards the growth of Christianity.
Minorities Enjoy ‘Full Freedom’
Following the tribunal, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed claims of religious persecution, labeling them as opposition propaganda. However, data from the Pew Research Center suggests otherwise, indicating significant emigration among religious minorities.
Rev. Vijayesh Lal of the Evangelical Fellowship of India countered the minister’s claims, questioning the real extent of religious freedom for Christians, particularly in rural areas. Lal emphasized the gap between constitutional promises and the lived reality of marginalized Christians in India.
India’s alarming persecution statistics, as reported by Open Doors, underscore the severity of the situation, with the country leading in Christian detentions globally. The Evangelical Fellowship of India documented a sharp increase in violence and discrimination since the BJP’s rise to power.
Harsh Mander, founder of Karwan-e-Mohabbat, vowed to continue advocacy efforts, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect India’s vulnerable communities. Concluding the tribunal, he called for collective responsibility to uphold the rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
© Christian Daily International
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
