The United Christian Forum (UCF) has written an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drawing attention to what it describes as a sharp rise in targeted violence and hostility against the Christian community across India. In the letter dated December 26, UCF acknowledged the Prime Minister’s recent outreach to Christians, including his visit to the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi on Christmas and earlier engagements with Christian leaders and institutions. However, the organisation said these gestures stand in contrast to the ground reality of increasing attacks on Christians.
UCF highlighted repeated incidents in tribal regions where Christians were allegedly denied burial rights and forced to exhume bodies. Cases from Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand were cited, including instances where families were attacked or compelled to abandon villages after burial disputes. The organisation also raised concerns over the implementation of anti-conversion laws in 12 states, arguing that while framed as safeguards, these laws disproportionately target religious minorities. UCF said Christians have been arrested based on third-party complaints, often without direct evidence of force or coercion. The letter detailed several recent incidents, including mob violence following a burial in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, vandalism of Christmas decorations in Raipur, alleged attacks on a carol group in Kerala’s Palakkad, and the disruption of Christmas observances in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. It also cited inflammatory speeches allegedly followed by violence and harassment in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The letter concluded by appealing for urgent action to safeguard minority rights and restore communal harmony, stating that decisive steps are essential to uphold justice, peace and equality in the country.
