Christian bodies to hold national conference on rising attacks

A diverse coalition of Christian bodies, leaders and civil society members will participate in a national conference at Jantar Mantar on November 29 to discuss the rise in attacks against Christians, the continued exclusion of Dalit Christians from Scheduled Caste (SC) benefits, and the growing threats to tribal rights across several states.

According to data shared ahead of the conference, incidents of violence against Christian individuals and institutions have grown five-fold over the past decade — from 139 cases in 2014 to 834 in 2024. Between January and September, 579 incidents were recorded across India, but only 39 First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed, reflecting a 93 per cent gap in justice.

The organisers said the event would serve as a platform for religious and community leaders, lawmakers, and civil society members to call for evidence-based constitutional action. Participants are expected from across states, including Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, which together account for nearly 77 per cent of all recorded incidents over the past decade.

Data from the organisers shows Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of incidents (1,317), followed by Chhattisgarh (926), Tamil Nadu (322), Karnataka (321), and Madhya Pradesh (319).

The shared report also highlights the vulnerability of Dalit and tribal Christians, noting that in the first nine months of 2025, 22 Dalits, 16 women, and 15 tribal Christians were among the victims of targeted attacks.

“Tribal Christians across India are facing coercion, social boycotts, and threats of delisting from Scheduled Tribe status,” said Tehmina Arora, a human rights advocate.

“In many cases, they are denied burial rights, residence, or even basic dignity in their own villages. This pressure to reconvert is the real form of forced conversion,” she added.

“When a nun or a senior member of the Church is assaulted, it is not only a personal humiliation but a blow to the moral fabric of the nation,” Minakshi Singh, a human rights activist, said.

She added, “These are people who dedicate their lives to service — in education, healthcare and relief work in the most remote areas. When such people are attacked, it is a shame we all share as citizens.”

Speakers at the upcoming convention are expected to demand immediate action on three fronts — recognition of Dalit Christians under the SC category, protection against coercion and identity loss for tribal Christians, and law enforcement accountability to address the low FIR registration rate.

“The four pillars of this convention are the problem, the promise, the price, and the pathway,” Dr Michael Williams, National Coordinator of the United Christian Forum (UCF) in India and the All India Catholic Union, said. He is also a Former Member of the Delhi Minorities Commission.

The organisers have called for mandatory FIR registration, fast-track courts, and state-level monitoring committees to ensure protection of minority rights under Articles 25 to 30 of the Constitution.

They said the conference would also discuss the long-pending Presidential Order of 1950, which excludes Dalit Christians from Scheduled Caste benefits on the basis of religion. The group said the exclusion continues to restrict access to education, employment, and welfare opportunities for an estimated 8-10 million Dalit Christians in India.

A memorandum arising from the conference titled “The Delhi Declaration 2025” will be submitted to the President, Prime Minister, Home Minister, Minister for Minority Affairs and the Chief Justice of India.