Concerns Rise Over Attacks on Christians in India Ahead of Christmas

Bishops Express Alarm Over Violence Against Christians

On Tuesday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India voiced serious concerns regarding the increasing violence against Christians in various states as Christmas approaches. They emphasized that these incidents threaten the constitutional rights of religious freedom and the ability to worship without fear.

The bishops expressed particular shock over an event in Jabalpur, where a visually impaired woman was assaulted during a Christmas program by a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This incident occurred on Saturday at a church, where Anju Bhargava, the BJP’s Vice President in Jabalpur, accused the woman of attempting to convert others to her faith. Notably, this confrontation happened in front of a police officer.

Bhargava, accompanied by members of various Hindutva groups, claimed that visually impaired children were being pressured into conversion. The event was organized by Christian groups as part of their Christmas festivities.

Participants at the gathering denied any allegations of forced conversions. An unnamed police officer was reported by a local media outlet stating that there was no evidence supporting claims of coercion.

In response to the incident, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference called for Bhargava's removal from the BJP.

The bishops also condemned the distribution of inflammatory digital posters in Chhattisgarh, which reportedly incited a bandh against Christians, warning that such actions could escalate tensions and provoke further violence.

They urged both state and central governments to take immediate and visible measures against individuals and organizations promoting hate and violence.

Additionally, they appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to enforce laws strictly and ensure the safety of Christian communities, allowing for a peaceful and harmonious Christmas celebration.

Numerous reports of attacks on Christians and disruptions to Christmas festivities have surfaced over the past week.

In Kerala, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was arrested after an attack on a group of children singing Christmas carols in Pudussery village.

The RSS is the parent organization of the ruling BJP at the national level.

Recently, some schools in Kerala associated with Hindutva groups and a privately managed Hindu institution were accused of halting Christmas celebrations, although the schools denied these claims.

In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, a government-run hotel canceled a Christmas event on the banks of the Ganga following protests organized by the Ganga Sabha.

On Monday, Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj shared a video from Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, showing men intimidating women and children wearing Santa Claus hats.