400 Christian leaders, 30 church groups submit appeal to President, PM
Shillong, Dec 31: Over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 church groups have submitted an appeal to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate and decisive action against alleged acts of violence targeting Christian gatherings across the country.
They lamented that the “attacks”, especially during Christmas prayers and celebrations, have terrorised Christian communities and tarnished the image of Bharat and the Union government.
They said at least 14 incidents targeting Christians were reported during this Christmas season alone.
The incidents ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and outright attacks, underscored an alarming trend of rising intolerance and hostility, they said.
The appeal points to troubling statistics from organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) and the United Christian Forum (UCF).
Between January and mid-December 2024, over 720 incidents of violence targeting Christians were reported to the EFIRLC, with 760 cases recorded by UCF by the end of November, according to the appeal.
There have been misuse of anti-conversion laws leading to the arrest and harassment of over 110 clergy members, they said.
Referring to Assam government passing the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, they alleged “growing threats to religious freedom through state actions”.
There is also “escalating hate speech and harassment of Christian communities, including restrictions on peaceful prayer meetings and the distribution of religious literature”, according to the Christian leaders.
Denouncing “exclusionary policies”, they said, “The demand to delist Christian tribals from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list is discriminating against them based on faith, undermining constitutional protections and social harmony.”
The Christian leaders also expressed deep concern about the ongoing crisis and violence in Manipur, where over 250 lives have been lost, over 360 churches destroyed, and thousands displaced since May 2023.
They urged the Prime Minister to play a visible and active role in fostering peace and reconciliation in the region, emphasising that the healing of Manipur is crucial for the unity and integrity of India.
Signatories of the appeal also called on the President and Prime Minister to order swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities, issue clear guidelines to state governments on protecting constitutional rights to religious freedom, and initiate regular dialogue with representatives of all faith communities.
