Over 300 incidents of violence targeting the Christian community were reported this year in the country with Uttar Pradesh topping the list, according to a fact-finding report released on Thursday.
According to the NGO United Against Hate, Association for Protection of Civil Rights and United Christian Forum, these incidents primarily happened in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi. Kerala also found a place in the list, according to the report ‘Christians Under Attack in India’.
Speaking at the press conference, A.C. Michael, the former member of Delhi Minorities Commission and National Coordinator of United Christian Forum (UCF), said, “The fears which are being fueled of Christians converting Hindus is baseless. The brutal attacks have taken place across 21 states. Most of the incidents are taking place in the northern states and 288 instances were of mob violence. This is a scary situation, raising critical questions over the role and the position of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the home ministry and their failures in stopping this violence,” reports the wire
He added, “Over 49 FIRs have been registered too, but no substantial action has taken place.”
Uttar Pradesh topped the chart with about 80 cases followed by Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Kerala. Addressing the media, United Christian forum national coordinator AC Michael said there have been constant attacks against the minority community in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
“Christians are not being allowed to practice their faith and are being attacked. A group of more than 200 landed up in a church in Roorkee (Uttarakhand) where a pastor was conducting a prayer, with the people claiming that he has been converting people. I want to know how many have been converted, the government should share information. There are so many officials who have studied in convent schools. Have all of them converted?” he asked.
A fact-finding report was also presented regarding the October 3 Roorkee mob attack. It noted that despite prior complaints, police officials in Roorkee did not provide security to the church and the family prior to the attack.
At the time of the attack the police were informed and calls were made to the police station but the police team arrived when the violent mob dispersed on its own.
Uttar Pradesh tops chart with 80 cases
Uttar Pradesh topped the chart with about 80 cases followed by Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Kerala.
c The Indian Express
