The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed deep concern over what it described as a disturbing rise in attacks against Christians during the Christmas season, condemning incidents reported from several states and calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of the community.
In a statement issued, the CBCI said reports of attacks on peaceful carol singers and congregations gathered for Christmas prayers posed a serious challenge to India’s constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and the right to live and worship without fear. The bishops’ body warned that such incidents threaten social harmony and undermine the country’s pluralistic fabric.
The CBCI said it was particularly shocked by a widely circulated video from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, which allegedly showed a visually challenged woman attending a Christmas programme being verbally abused and physically harassed by Anju Bhargava, identified as a local political office-bearer. Terming the incident dehumanising, the CBCI demanded her immediate removal from the party and strict legal action.
The statement also raised concern over reports of disruptions to Christmas gatherings by groups described as hostile to religious minorities. Additionally, the CBCI flagged the circulation of hate-filled digital posters in Chhattisgarh that reportedly called for a bandh on December 24, warning that such messages could inflame communal tensions and provoke further violence. Condemning these acts in the strongest terms, the CBCI urged state governments and the Union government to take swift and visible action against individuals and organisations promoting hatred. The bishops also appealed to the Union Home Minister to ensure effective law enforcement and proactive protection for Christian communities, so that Christmas could be observed peacefully across the country in an atmosphere of safety, dignity, and harmony.
