The Christian body calls for urgent action from authorities to protect religious minorities
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — The All India Catholic Union (AICU), a prominent body representing Catholics across the country, has voiced deep concern over the growing incidents of intimidation, violence, and discrimination against Christians in several states, especially those where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its political partners are in power.
The 106-year-old organisation, which has been at the forefront of advocating for religious freedom and harmony, warned that recent developments point to a disturbing rise in religious intolerance.
An AICU statement pointed to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, where the local government is reportedly working to revive the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978. The law, which has been dormant for nearly half a century, seeks to curb “forced” religious conversions. While the government claims that the law is intended to prevent coercion, the AICU fears that its reintroduction could disrupt the peace and coexistence that have long been characteristic of the state’s diverse communities.
“We are deeply disturbed by the efforts to revive this law after 47 years,” said a spokesperson for the AICU. “The law could create divisions among the various tribal groups and communities who have lived in harmony for generations. The fear is that such a law would further marginalise the Christian community and undermine the spirit of unity.”
The AICU also raised alarm over developments in Madhya Pradesh, where Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has proposed amendments to the state’s anti-conversion law. Under the proposed amendments, the conversion of girls would be made punishable by a death sentence. The AICU condemned the proposal as an extreme and unjustifiable measure, warning that it would fuel religious intolerance and undermine fundamental rights.
“This move to impose a death penalty for conversion is not just draconian; it’s an attack on personal freedoms,” the statement read. “It sends a dangerous message that religious freedom is something to be feared, and it risks further alienating religious minorities, especially women.”
In the northeastern state of Manipur, the AICU expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis following the imposition of the President’s Rule in February 2024. Over 60,000 people remain displaced, living in temporary, non-government camps. The AICU criticised the government’s failure to take concrete steps to rehabilitate internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom belong to religious and ethnic minorities.
“The situation in Manipur is dire. Thousands of families are living in squalid conditions, without adequate shelter or support. The government has failed to take meaningful steps to address their plight, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation,” the statement noted. “This is a human rights issue, and the government must prioritise the welfare of the displaced people.”
Beyond these specific cases, the AICU also drew attention to a broader pattern of violence against Christians across the country. According to reports from groups monitoring hate crimes, 834 incidents of violence against Christians have been recorded in various states up until December 2024. Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have been identified as epicentres for such violence, with reports of brutal mob attacks, social boycotts, and widespread intimidation against Christian communities.
“The situation in Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh is particularly alarming,” said an AICU representative. “We are witnessing brutal mob violence, and the law enforcement agencies seem to be either complicit or unable to act. The Christian community is increasingly targeted, and we fear that this trend will only grow if not addressed immediately.”
The AICU also expressed concern over the atmosphere of impunity that allows many of these attacks to go unreported or underreported. According to the union, fear of retaliation prevents victims from coming forward, while perpetrators often operate with the backing of political or social power structures.
“In an environment where attacks on Christians are met with little to no consequences, it is no surprise that many incidents are not reported. This culture of impunity is undermining the rule of law and emboldening the perpetrators,” the statement added. “We urge the authorities to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for these hate crimes.”
Despite the widespread violence, the AICU made it clear that it does not hold the general public responsible for these acts of hate. The statement emphasised that most citizens of India remain committed to peace, tolerance, and pluralism, and that the violence is being perpetrated by a small but vocal minority of extremist elements.
“The leadership of the All India Catholic Union is clear: the vast majority of the common people of this country are not involved in these hate campaigns,” the statement asserted. “This violence is driven by a few radical groups and individuals who seek to sow division and fear.”
In conclusion, the AICU has called on the central and state governments to take immediate action to address the rising tide of religious violence in the country. The union has urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for hate crimes, enact stronger laws to protect religious minorities, and work towards restoring peace and harmony among India’s diverse communities.
“We call on the government to ensure that justice is served and that the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of their religion, are protected,” the statement concluded.
