In the first half of 2023, 400 acts of violence targeting Christians occurred across 23 states in India, according to a report released by the United Christian Forum (UCF). This marks a significant increase from the previous year, when 274 incidents were reported during the same period Muslim Mirror reported.
The UCF’s findings shed light on the growing hostility the Christian community faces, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the state with the highest number of cases, followed by Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
The report reveals that Uttar Pradesh alone witnessed 155 incidents, spread across six districts. Jaunpur, Rae Bareilly, and Sitapur were among the districts most affected, with 13, 11, and 11 incidents respectively.
Additionally, Bastar in Chhattisgarh recorded the highest number of incidents, with 31 documented cases. These figures highlight the widespread nature of the violence, which has impacted various regions of the country.
Notably, June stood out as particularly concerning, with 88 documented incidents, averaging nearly three attacks per day. March, February, and January followed closely behind, with 66, 63, and 62 incidents respectively.
In comparison, January 2023 saw the highest number of incidents in the same period of the previous year, totalling 121 cases.
The UCF emphasized that the violence against Christians is not limited to any particular political party in power, as the 400 incidents occurred across the country, regardless of the ruling party’s affiliation.
The report also raises concerns regarding the treatment of Christians by law enforcement agencies. Despite being victims of these atrocities, Christians often face a disproportionate number of First Information Reports (FIRs) compared to the accused. The UCF highlights that police authorities frequently fail to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of mob violence adequately. False allegations of conversions under the Freedom of Religion Act have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the lodging of 63 FIRs against Christians.
Disturbingly, the report highlights that 35 pastors remain in jail, with their repeated bail requests being denied. Even when bail is granted, bureaucratic delays in the release process have resulted in continued incarceration.
Christian community leaders have made numerous appeals to the President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister for intervention, but as of yet, no response has been received.