Christian groups warn anti-Christian violence becoming institutionalized in India
Rights advocates warn attacks, social boycotts and burial restrictions signal worsening pressure on India's Christian minorities
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Christian leaders, survivors and civil society groups have warned that escalating attacks against Christians in India are no longer isolated incidents but reflect what they describe as growing institutional failure and systematic discrimination against religious minorities.
The warning came during a press conference in New Delhi following hearings held by the People’s Tribunal on Violence Against Christians in India, a civil society initiative convened by Karwan-e-Mohabbat that gathered testimonies from survivors, lawyers, researchers and community representatives documenting violence across multiple states.
The tribunal followed field visits and hearings conducted earlier this year in states including Chhattisgarh and Odisha, where members met affected families and documented what participants described as recurring patterns of violence, social exclusion and denial of constitutional rights, particularly among Dalit and Adivasi Christian communities.
Testimonies presented before the tribunal came from multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Odisha and described attacks on churches, pastors and prayer meetings alongside allegations of police inaction and political hostility.
Participants said Christian communities increasingly face social and economic boycotts, expulsions from villages, denial of burial rights and restrictions on worship.
Veteran journalist and rights activist John Dayal warned that constitutional protections related to religious freedom and equal citizenship were increasingly under threat.
A.C. Michael, national coordinator of the United Christian Forum, said ordinary religious activities were increasingly being portrayed as threats.
“Peaceful acts of worship are increasingly portrayed as threats to public order and national interest,” he said.
Lawyers and activists participating in the hearings also raised concerns over anti-conversion laws, arguing that legislation introduced in several Indian states has contributed to arbitrary arrests, intimidation and legal pressure targeting Christian communities, particularly smaller congregations and converts in rural areas.
One of the most frequently discussed issues during the hearings involved burial rights, with community representatives describing cases where Christian funeral processions were allegedly blocked and families denied access to village burial grounds.
Social activist Harsh Mander said testimonies presented before the tribunal suggested that attacks should not be viewed as isolated acts but as part of a broader pattern of exclusion.
Participants also expressed concern over increasing hostility in tribal-dominated states including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, where violence against Christians has risen sharply in recent years.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
