By A C Michael
New Delhi, April 20, 2020: Christians in many parts of India continue to struggle to freely practice their faith while the whole world is amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authenticated data reveals at least 27 incidents of violence against Christians in 10 Indian states in this March.
Uttar Pradesh, at six, has the maximum incidents, followed by 5 in Chhattisgarh, 3 each in Tamil Nadu and Odisha, 2 each in Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra and one each in Telangana and Goa.
This brings the total in the first 91 days of 2020 to a staggering 78 incidents of violence against Christians, as reported on the United Christian Forum (UCF) Helpline No.: 1800-208-4545.
The UCF, an umbrella organization of Christian leadership and denominations, monitors human rights violations amongst the followers of Christ, and documents incidents across the country since 2015.
The anti-Christian incidents in the first quarter include mob attacks, threats, intimidation and physical assault. Prior to the lockdown and suspension of religious gathering, 52 cases related to restriction on gathering for religious activity.
In the past three months, Uttar Pradesh led the table with 21 incidents, followed by Chhattisgarh 14. Tamil Nadu came third with 11 incidents and its western neighbor Karnataka 6. Others are Maharashtra 5, 4 each in Telangana, Haryana, and Odisha, 3 in Andhra Pradesh, 2 each in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar and one in Goa.
In association with several lawyers and media partners, UCF provides probono (for the public good) legal assistance to citizens whose fundamental rights have been violated. An annual report of all incidents is shared with the government and members of Parliament, as well as members of the media.
“I am shocked to learn that even during this time of national crisis when our PM has called for all to stand as one in the COVID-19 fight, the minority haters and bashers are still active in committing violence against Christians in India,” said Michael Williams, national president of UCF.
He appealed to fellow Christians to continue to believe in Christ and assure them legal support through UCF networking partners. “I request the prime minister and the federal home minister to take hard action against those perpetrators who are inciting and participating in these heinous acts,” he added.