Matters India Reporter
Barasat, 13 July 2026: A tense confrontation erupted, July 12 at the residence of the Auxilium Sisters (FMA) in Barasat, a town in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, when a mob of some 60 people, reportedly mobilized by the Hindu Jagarana Manch, demanded the demolition of the congregation’s nearly completed cemetery and memorial chapel.
The nuns, who had begun construction with due permission from the municipality, now face intimidation and threats as the project nears completion.
“We have started the construction of a memorial chapel (cemetery) at Barasat with due permission from the municipality. It is almost at the finishing stage, and now a big mob came to the Sisters’ residence asking to demolish the construction, using all kinds of abusive language and threatening the Sisters,” said FMA Provincial Sister Leelama.
According to witnesses, protesters shouted: “Your government is no more, now it is our government,” underscoring the political undertone of the confrontation. The remark reflects the emboldened stance of Hindutva groups since the BJP’s victory in West Bengal in May 2026, which has coincided with a surge of hostility toward Christian institutions across the state.
Since May, attacks against Christians have sharply increased.
In Murshidabad, mobs vandalized Christian homes near Muktidham Church;
in Purba Bardhaman, Grace Church was stormed during Sunday service;
in Sonarpur, worshippers were forced to disperse under threat;
and in South Dinajpur, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church outside Balurghat was targeted with threats.
Alongside these direct assaults, cemetery projects such as the Auxilium Sisters’ Barasat memorial chapel have become flashpoints, with Hindutva groups demanding demolition despite municipal approval.
Local Christian leaders condemned the intimidation, warning that the incident is part of a wider pattern of harassment. “This is not just about land or construction. It is about sending a message that Christian institutions are no longer welcome,” said a senior lay leader from Kolkata.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians popularly known as Salesian Sisters, engage in educational and social welfare of underprivileged girls, now face disruption to their mission.
(Photo supplied)