At least 48 cases of attacks against Christians have been recorded in the state since May, rights forum says. About 12,000 Christians joined a prayer and protest rally in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal on Nov. 5, demanding protection of religious freedom and an end to ongoing anti-Christian violence.

The event organized by inter-denominational group, Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP or Bengal Christian Council), in the state capital Kolkata, drew over 12,000 Christians, more than double originally expected, according to the council’s founding secretary, Herod Mullick. “We had permission to hold a rally for 5,000 people, but more than 12,000 turned up”. Christians came from all over West Bengal and other states, including Odisha, Nagaland, and Mizoram.

He said the large turnout reflected widespread concerns among Christians over a series of anti-Christian violence, often on allegations of religious conversion, in the state. “Christians in the state are in an unprecedented crisis,” Mullick said.  Since the Hindu-theocratic Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state for the first time in May this year, a total of 48 incidents of attacks against Christians have been recorded, according to data compiled by the BCP.  Mullick said police had registered only 16 first information reports – which formally open a criminal case in India -in connection with the incidents. Christian leaders accused authorities of failing to adequately protect worshippers and respond to complaints of violence and intimidation. They also rejected allegations of forced religious conversion, saying such accusations were to target Christian prayer meetings. He said the organization had urged the state government to investigate allegations of forced conversion and take action against any unlawful activities, while ensuring that Christians could worship without fear.

Pastor Jose Bernard said the large turnout reflected the community’s growing distress. “The large number of people who turned up shows that the Christian community in the state is sad and unhappy about the continued attacks on Christians over the last four to five months”. “We hope the government takes note of the rally and acts accordingly. Christians in the state are peace-loving people and have good relations with people of other faiths”.

Sathyadeepam Weekly