Festive season marred by persecution in India

The writer is a freelance columnist.

Christian communities worldwide celebrate December 25 as a day of joy and happiness. But the situation in  India is altogether different as Christmas is marked by oppression, persecution and violence. In recent years, there have been reports of attacks on churches, violence against pastors and believers, and denial of rights under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. 

In 2024, Christians in India continue to face serious challenges including Manipur violence, marked by rising hostility and violence, with estimates indicating hundreds affected by various incidents. On the eve of Christmas celebrations, over 200 notable individuals have issued a joint statement to Modi expressing deep concern over the escalating persecution of Christians in India. 

Citing data from organisations such as the Evangelical Fellowship of India and the United Christian Forum (UCF), the signatories highlighted the sharp rise in incidents: (a) 2014: 127 recorded incidents when the Modi government assumed power. (b) 2021: 327 cases of violence, including 15 church attacks or vandalism (c) 2022: 486 incidents, with 115 involving physical violence and 357 cases of intimidation and harassment (d) 2024 (January to November): A staggering 745 attacks against Christian citizens have been documented.

Under Modi’s leadership, there has been a significant increase in religious intolerance, particularly towards Christians, leading to an erosion of India's secular ideals. Hindu nationalist groups have been accused of perpetrating violence against Christians, including attacks on churches and priests. In some cases, Christians have been accused of attempting to convert Hindus, leading to arrests and detention. The situation has become so dire that some Christians in India are afraid to celebrate Christmas openly.

Furthermore, Hindu supremacist outfits have also targeted Christmas celebrations, with some even burning effigies of Santa Claus and chanting "Death to Santa Claus" and "Death to Jesus Christ" 

Despite these challenges, many Christians in India celebrate Christmas with courage and resilience. However, the oppression and violence they face are a stark reminder of the need for greater tolerance and acceptance in Indian society.

In pursuance of Hindutva ideology, the Modi-led regime has carried out different amendments to the Citizens Act and NRC which have further added to the plight of minorities already bearing the brunt of the inhumane policies.

Christophe Jaffrelot, while explaining Modi’s fascist mindset in his book 'Gujarat Under Modi,' writes that India has detained thousands of government critics, many of whom have yet to face trial. Given that many are arrested under anti-terrorism laws speaks volumes about how the courts have given the government considerable leeway. 

He further says that investigative authorities take inordinately long to put together charges. The process is the punishment; according to a report by the Delhi-based People’s Union of Civil Liberties, almost all of those accused have been released or granted bail by the court, but often not until years after they were arrested.

One of the main concerns of the Christian community is the implementation of anti-conversion laws, which have been enacted in 11 Indian states. These laws are often used to target Christians, who are accused of forcibly converting Hindus. However, Christian leaders argue that these laws are misused to harass and intimidate them.

The alarming rise in violence against Christians calls for international attention and advocacy for minority rights in India. The global community should emphasise the severity of the situation and the urgent need to push the Indian government to uphold its commitments to religious freedom and human rights.