834 attacks on Christians reported in India in 2024, alarming spike
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India witnessed a sharp rise in violence against Christians in 2024, with 834 incidents recorded by the United Christian Forum (UCF), marking an increase of 100 cases from 2023.
This surge translates to more than two attacks daily, targeting Christians for practicing their faith, UCF stated in a press release on January 10.
The reported incidents include assaults on churches and prayer meetings, harassment of worshippers, social ostracism, and false accusations, particularly under the pretext of "forced conversions." Stringent anti-conversion laws in several states governed by the BJP have been used to justify actions against minority groups, further exacerbating the situation.
Uttar Pradesh led the tally with 209 cases, followed by Chhattisgarh with 165. Marginalised communities bore the brunt of these attacks. In December 2024 alone, 25 out of 73 incidents involved victims from Scheduled Tribes, while 14 cases targeted Dalits. Women were also among the victims in nine incidents.
Rights activists have highlighted that First Information Reports (FIRs) are rarely filed against the perpetrators, with victims often discouraged by police from pursuing legal action. “FIRs are frequently registered against victims instead of attackers, who are allowed to go unpunished,” noted A.C. Michael, UCF’s national convenor.
Activists and journalists have documented instances of marginalised individuals being accused of forced conversions, despite no formal change in their religious status. Cases filed under anti-conversion laws have often been dismissed in courts due to a lack of credible evidence.
On December 31, 2024, over 400 Christian leaders and 30 church groups appealed to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging them to address the rising violence. Despite multiple appeals, the government’s response has been criticised as inadequate.
Prime Minister Modi attended Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in December 2024 but avoided mentioning domestic violence against Christians. Instead, he referred to international incidents, such as the Christmas market attack in Germany, drawing criticism from rights activists.
Journalist John Dayal called Modi’s statements “duplicitous,” accusing him of ignoring the escalating violence within India while addressing incidents abroad.
Opposition leaders have also questioned the government’s stance. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien urged Christian organisations to hold the prime minister accountable. “The church must ask difficult questions,” he said, referencing the government’s actions like rebranding Christmas as "Good Governance Day" and tightening Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules affecting Christian institutions.