By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, August 24, 2026: Christians in the district adjoining the West Bengal state capital of Kolkata held a peace, harmony and prayer rally following attacks, vandalism and other incidents targeting the community.
Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP, Bengal Christian Council) organized the rally August 23 following a series of incidents, including attacks on pastors, disruption of prayer services, desecration of crosses, police harassment of a bishop, the exhumation of a newly buried body from a cemetery.
The programme was conducted across four regions in South 24 Parganas district as part of BCP’s larger plan of 100 regional rallies leading up to the Central Grand Gathering in Kolkata on November 5.
Some 5,000 participants from diverse backgrounds -— cutting across caste, creed, and political affiliation -— joined the march, which sought not only to spread the message of peace and communal harmony but also to register a silent protest against the vulnerability and propaganda faced by the Christian community, organizers said.
BCP leaders emphasized their appeal to both the state and central governments to investigate the ground reality and safeguard constitutional rights. “We represent nearly 1.3 million Christians in West Bengal. Our goal is to present the truth and counter false narratives being circulated about our community,” the statement read.
While expressing faith in Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, BCP voiced deep concern over his silence on the ongoing anti-Christian incidents. “Despite repeated appeals, our leadership has not been granted a hearing. Decisions appear influenced by one‑sided, incorrect information,” the release noted.
(Photo supplied)