Category: From The States

A Christian cou-ple in Uttar Pradesh has faced public humiliation after villagers allegedly targeted them for refusing to take part in Hindu rituals following their conversion to Christianity.

Balram Singh and his wife, Rani Devi, were reportedly garlanded with slippers and paraded through their village, Garaw Garhi, in Hathras district on April 20. The villagers also warned them of social boycott unless they abandoned their Christian faith and returned to Hinduism.

Singh later filed a complaint with the local police, naming several individuals, including members of his own family, as being involved in the incident. He also sought protection for himself and his wife. However, police reportedly refused to register a First Information Report (FIR), stating that the issue was a family matter.

The couple is said to be deeply distressed following the incident. Legal and community representatives have expressed concern over the police response, stating that such cases require immediate action regardless of whether the accused are family members.

Church and social leaders have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a violation of human dignity and religious freedom. They stressed that no one has the right to humiliate or force individuals to change their faith.

Activists have also demanded justice for the couple and urged authorities to ensure their safety. They continue to press for the registration of a criminal case against those responsible.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about religious freedom and the protection of minority communities in the region.

Churches in Meghalaya have joined hands with the state government to address the growing drug crisis affecting many families, especially young people.

Representatives from different Chri-stian denominations met with officials from the government’s Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission, known as DREAM, on April 23. During the meeting, the premises of the Baptist Church in Tura were identified as a suitable location for a rehabilitation centre.

Officials said the partnership between churches and the government is an important step in building a more caring and community-based response to addiction. The goal is not only to treat substance abuse but also to restore dignity, rebuild lives, and protect future generations.

Church leaders welcomed the initiative and noted that Christian institutions in the state have long served people through education, healthcare, and social service.

Bishop Andrew R. Marak said drug abuse has become a major concern in the state, especially among youth. He expressed hope that the joint effort would bring real support to communities struggling with addiction.

Church representatives also stressed that solving the crisis will require cooperation from families, civil society, and the wider public, not only the Church and government.

According to official estimates, nearly 10 percent of Meghalaya’s 3.2 million people are affected by substance abuse. Authorities said the state’s location near the Golden Triangle region has worsened the drug problem.

The crisis has also led to rising cases of HIV and Hepatitis B and C due to unsafe practices such as needle sharing, making it a serious public health concern.

The Catholic community in Manipur is celebrating the success of several young Catholics who performed well in Union and state civil services examinations, inspiring many young people in the region.

The Manipur Catholic Youth Organization congratulated four of its members for their achievements in highly competitive exams. Dr. Vapani John Tao secured Rank 800 in the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2025. Lawrence Masouhrii cleared the UPSC Assistant Commandant (CAPF) examination.

In the Manipur Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination, Laijing Leikhulshim Maring secured Rank 24, while Katalanpou Rongmei achieved Rank 40.

MCYO also honoured its former president, Napoleon Rongmei, on joining the Indian Forest Service through UPSC. He had earlier served in the Manipur Forest Service and led the youth organisation for nearly eight years.

Laijing Maring said his success came from resilience, discipline, and learning through repeated failures. He said true success is not only about passing exams but also about personal growth and helping others.
Katalanpou Rongmei thanked God, family members, and well-wishers for supporting him.

Goan Christians and diverse religious communities have welcomed the arrest of YouTuber Gautam Khattar following his offensive remarks against St. Francis Xavier, the state’s patron saint. During an April 18 event, Khattar allegedly labeled the saint a “terrorist” and insulted his preserved remains, sparking widespread protests and multiple police complaints.

Khattar was apprehended in Himachal Pradesh on April 24 after attempting to hide and was subsequently remanded to six days of police custody in Vasco. His brother, Madhav, was also arrested for assisting with the speech’s online distribution. Church leaders, while advocating for calm, have emphasized the necessity of strong legal action against hate speech to protect communal harmony. This incident highlights a collective stand against religious intolerance in a region long celebrated for its peaceful interfaith relations.

A leadership meeting of the Adivasi Forum under the Bongiyo Christian Pariseba (BCP) focused on protecting the constitutional rights of tribal communities and planning collective action. The meeting was held on April 9 in Kharagpur and brought together representatives from five districts, including West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, and Burdwan.

BCP founder and state secretary Herod Mullick explained the background of the “de-listing” issue, which questions the status of tribal communities. He said the issue, first raised decades ago, is again gaining attention through various groups and campaigns. He warned that such debates could divide tribal unity and urged people to stay alert and united.

Legal expert Aditya Tewari said tribal identity is based on ethnicity, culture, and geography, not religion. He explained that changing religion does not change a person’s tribal identity, and the Constitution supports this view.

State coordinator Victor Behera also stressed that tribal identity is natural and cannot be removed. He compared it to a river that keeps its identity even when it changes form.

The forum announced several plans until 2026, including digital awareness campaigns, cultural programs, and promotion of tribal languages and traditions. It also called for unity among all Adivasi groups to protect their rights related to land, forest, and livelihood.

More meetings are planned in different parts of West Bengal to continue this effort.

Fresh violence has shaken Manipur after two children from the Meitei community were killed in a suspected militant attack. The incident is seen as a serious setback to the fragile peace in the conflict-hit state.

A five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister died in a bomb attack on their home in Moirang, located in Bishnupur district, on April 7. Their mother was seriously injured and is receiving treatment.

Following the attack, Meitei organizations blamed suspected militants from Kuki-Zo tribal groups and organized a protest rally demanding justice. The protest later turned violent, with clashes reported between protesters and security forces.

Officials said the situation became uncontrollable when some protesters tried to storm a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp. Vehicles were set on fire, barricades were broken, and attempts were made to seize weapons. Security forces opened fire to control the crowd, leaving at least three people dead and 25 injured.

Authorities responded by imposing a curfew in Bishnupur district and shutting down internet services for three days in several areas to prevent further unrest.

Tribal groups have denied involvement in the attack and called for a fair investigation. They also warned against blaming communities without clear evidence.

Manipur has been facing ethnic tensions since 2023 between the Meitei community and tribal groups, mainly Kuki-Zo Christians. The conflict has already claimed around 260 lives and displaced thousands. The latest violence highlights the urgent need for peace, dialogue, and justice in the region.

The government of Rajasthan has revoked the recognition of St Paul Secondary School Dungarpur, raising allegations that the institution promoted religious conversion among students. The decision has created concern among Church leaders, parents, and the local community.

In an official letter dated April 2, the district education officer stated that the school could no longer operate classes, admit students, or conduct examinations. Around 500 students have been asked to move to nearby schools. The order also mentioned issues such as alleged mistreatment of students, the presence of a statue of Mother Mary on campus, and the use of terms like “father,” “mother,” and “sister” for staff.

School authorities have strongly denied all allegations. The manager of the school said the decision was unfair and taken without any prior notice. He confirmed that the matter has been challenged in the High Court, seeking justice and a review of the order.

Parents of nearly 100 students also came forward in support of the school. In a letter to officials, they stated that the school provides a disciplined and positive learning environment. They clearly denied any form of forced religious conversion and said students from different religions study together peacefully.

Church leaders believe the action is part of increasing pressure on Christian institutions in the state. They have called for a fair inquiry and protection of minority education rights.

The incident highlights the need for careful handling of sensitive issues related to religion and education, ensuring that students’ futures are not affected.

The Catholic Church in Kerala bid a heartfelt farewell to Fr. Dr. Francis Alapatt, who passed away on April 9 at the age of 72. Widely known as the “Doctor Priest,” he was remembered as a priest, doctor, writer, and humanitarian who dedicated his life to serving people.

A former vicar general of the Archdiocese of Thrissur, he combined medical knowledge with pastoral care, becoming a rare example of service both at the altar and in hospitals.

His funeral on April 11 drew a large gathering of bishops, priests, healthcare workers, and many people whose lives he had touched. The final rites were held at Our Lady of Dolours Basilica. Archbishop Andrews Thazhath led the requiem Mass, while Mar Raphael Thattil shared a condolence message.

As his final wish, his body was donated to Jubilee Mission Medical College Hospital, where he served for many years. His eyes were also donated, continuing his mission even after death.

Fr. Alapatt played a key role in developing healthcare in central Kerala. He promoted blood donation and founded the Kerala Blood Donors Forum, inspiring many young people to help save lives.

Born in Thrissur, he studied medicine before becoming a priest in 1995. He also contributed as a writer and filmmaker, using media to spread awareness.

He will be remembered as a compassionate leader who served all people beyond barriers of religion and society.

Bishop Sagili Prakash of the Diocese of Khammam has asked the Supreme Court of India to review the exclusion of Dalit Christians from Scheduled Caste reservation benefits.

Speaking during a Good Friday gathering in Khammam on April 3, the bishop said that Dalit Christians continue to face social and economic discrimination and should not lose reservation benefits after converting to Christianity.

He said the Indian Constitution guarantees equality and freedom of religion under Articles 13, 14, and 25. According to the bishop, people who choose to become Christians do so freely, but their conversion should not take away benefits linked to their historical social disadvantage.

Bishop Prakash criticised the Presidential Order of 1950, which limits Scheduled Caste status mainly to Dalits who follow Hinduism. The benefits were later extended to Sikhs and Buddhists, but not to Christians or Muslims.

He said this exclusion prevents Dalit Christians from receiving reservation benefits in education and government jobs.

“For generations, Dalits have faced discrimination and untouchability. Denying reservation benefits makes their suffering worse,” the bishop said.

The bishop spoke after leading a “Way of the Cross” procession in Khammam that was attended by more than 5,000 people.

During his address at Ambedkar Centre, he also spoke about peace, unity, and the idea of the world as one family.

Bishop Prakash said he has raised this issue many times with national leaders, including prime ministers, presidents, and members of parliament.

The Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore has opened a special help desk for transgender persons at Kadarkarai Sagaya Madha Church in Ennore, Chennai.

The new initiative was blessed and opened by Archbishop George Antony Samy. The help desk aims to offer spiritual support, mental health counselling, and help with employment for transgender persons, especially in and around Chennai.

The desk is located inside the parish premises and is seen as one of the first efforts of its kind in the Catholic Church in India. It hopes to support a community that has often faced rejection and discrimination in society and even within the Church.

The initiative is led by Fr. Leo Joseph along with Inba Ignatius, founder of the Snegidhan Snegidhi Trust. The trust is known for helping transgender persons with shelter and job opportunities.

Fr. Joseph said he began this work after seeing the struggles faced by many transgender people during his earlier ministry in Chennai. He said many were afraid to take part in Church activities because of past experiences of exclusion.

Inba Ignatius also shared that she had once been an active Catholic but later felt rejected after her gender transition.

An eight-member committee of priests, religious sisters, laypeople, and transgender representatives has been formed to guide the project.

Church leaders hope the new desk will help transgender persons feel accepted, respected, and welcomed in parish life.