Violence against Christians remain high in India, only 47 FIRs registered out of 673 reported incidents

Incidents of violence against Christians in India remain high, with 673 incidents reported on the United Christian Forum (UCF) helpline by the end of October 2024. Uttar Pradesh is leading with the highest number of incidents (182) followed by Chhattisgarh (139).

The United Christian Forum (UCF) is a Delhi-based civil society organization focused on Christian issues. According to the “Violence Monitor Report 2024,” only 47 FIRs were registered out of a total of 673 incidents.

Speaking to Maktoob, AC Michael, the National Coordinator of the United Christian Forum (UCF), said, “It has become difficult for Christians to practice their faith in India. Violence against Christians had increased across the country.”

“In 2014, incidents of violence against Christians were fewer than a hundred. Then, in 2018, it increased to 292, and every year since, the numbers have risen. Last year, in 2023, we recorded about 750 incidents, which means two Christians were attacked every day in our country.”

The incidents include physical violence, murder, sexual violence, intimidation and threats, social boycotts, damage to religious properties, desecration of religious symbols, and disruption of prayer services. UCF said that Christians are facing varying degrees of violence and discrimination in 23 of India’s 28 states.

January witnessed 69 incidents of violence against Christians followed by 64 incidents in February, 68 incidents in March, and 96 incidents in September 2024.

According to the October data, there were 12 incidents where women were the victims, 14 incidents involving Dalit Christians, and 24 cases of tribal Christians subjected to violence.

Even the national capital and its accompanying regions, Delhi NCR, have not been immune to such incidents, with four incidents recorded.

“These are organized acts of violence by the groups targeting Christian faiths,” he stated.

Michael also accused the police of targeting victims instead of filing FIRs, stating, “The police detain pastors under false allegations of forceful conversion rather than taking action against the perpetrators.”

The 2024 India Country Update released by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) states religious freedom conditions in India continue to follow a deteriorating and concerning trajectory.

This article was originally published on https://maktoobmedia.com/features/violence-against-christians-remain-high-in-india-only-47-firs-registered-out-of-673-reported-incidents/