Over two hate crimes per day targeting Christians this year, highest recorded in UP: UCF report
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New Delhi: The number of targeted attacks against Christians in different parts of the country has doubled in the first 190 days of this year, with Uttar Pradesh topping the list among the 23 states studied, accounting for the highest number of incidents, totalling 155 cases so far this year.
According to a compilation of data by the United Christian Forum (UCF), a human rights watchdog organization, there has been an average of more than two hate crimes per day occurring throughout the year. Notably, there was a marked increase observed in June 2023, with an average of three incidents recorded daily.
The report highlights the occurrence of alarming acts, including the disruption of prayers, attacks on believers, abuse directed at pastors and their families, and the vandalization of churches. This year has seen a staggering increase in attacks against Christians, with 400 incidents recorded compared to 274 in July last year.
The UCF compiled the report based on information collected through their helpline, a toll-free number established in 2015 to provide assistance to Christian victims of communal violence seeking legal remedies.
The data highlights an average of more than two hate crimes per day occurring throughout the year, with a marked increase observed in June 2023, when an average of three incidents were recorded daily.
Uttar Pradesh emerged as the state with the highest number of incidents among the 23 states studied, accounting for 155 cases so far this year. Additionally, the report reveals that June witnessed the highest number of attacks against Christians, with 88 incidents reported, followed by March (66), February (63), and January (62).
In North India, Uttar Pradesh is followed by Chhattisgarh with 84 incidents, Jharkhand with 35, Haryana with 32, and Madhya Pradesh and Punjab with 21 and 12 incidents, respectively. However, a silver lining is seen in South India, where the data indicates a decline in the number of incidents compared to last year.
Karnataka recorded 10 incidents, Tamil Nadu three, and Andhra Pradesh only one attack this year. Kerala and Telangana did not report any incidents. In contrast, last year, until November 11, both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had reported 30 attacks each, while Andhra Pradesh witnessed six and Telangana four. Kerala and Puducherry remained free from incidents.
The UCF report paints a troubling picture, revealing an upward trend in the number of attacks against Christians over the years. The helpline number reported 147 incidents upon its launch, with a steady increase in attacks until the onset of the pandemic in 2020, when 279 incidents were recorded.
In 2018 and 2019, the numbers escalated to 292 and 328, respectively. Post-pandemic, 2021 witnessed 505 incidents, and 2022 marked the highest number of recorded violence against Christians, with 599 cases reported.