Seven Protestants were charged with “forced conversions” for participating in a house celebration. The Bishop of Lucknow explains that “even getting bail is a difficult task. In 2024, almost 700 cases of violence against Christians have already been recorded.” P. Mathew: “In Chhattisgarh, Christians evicted from their villages will spend Christmas night without shelter.”
Lucknow () – They were arrested for having organized a prayer meeting a few days before Christmas. In the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, one of those where the application of anti-conversion laws imposed by Hindu fundamentalists is harshest, the Sitapur police arrested seven Christians from an evangelical community in the Sidhauli Kotwali area and opened a trial against them. A 70-page diary and two mobile phones were also seized from the accused.
The accused are Ashok Kumar (Rae Bareli), Anil Kumar (Lakhimpur), Sunil (Kannauj), Anurag Bharti (Kannauj), Ankit Rawat (Lucknow), Balram (Lakhimpur) and Rampal (Sitapur). The accusation is the usual one: converting poor and defenseless people, luring them with work and money. And as always happens, it was some members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (a Hindu nationalist organization) who denounced the Christians and requested police intervention.
Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law was tightened with amendments on July 29. Today in this Indian State, not only the interested party but any person can file a complaint for an alleged “forced conversion.” In addition, the maximum sentence of imprisonment has been increased even to life imprisonment, and the maximum fine has gone from 100,000 rupees to 500,000 rupees (5,600 euros) for cases involving women, minors or Dalits.
The Bishop of Lucknow, Bishop Gerald Mathais, comments to : “Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law is the most severe in the country. It is an instrument for serious abuse and from time to time pastors and faithful are arrested. It is even difficult to get bail. The community lives in fear, and holding any prayer celebration in homes has become risky. The fundamental right to profess, preach and practice one’s faith, guaranteed by the Constitution, is seriously violated. “In 2024, more than 673 episodes of violence and atrocities against Christians were recorded.”
Father Anand Mathew IMS, coordinator of the Sanjha Sanskriti Manch, a Varanasi-based alliance of activists, adds to : “Every Sunday pastors of evangelical churches are attacked, mistreated and arrested in Uttar Pradesh; not because they committed a crime, but because they showed courage by praying with the most vulnerable people. They are attacked and arrested because they are people who actively work for the Gospel. In Chhattisgarh Christians are also being expelled from their villages. This Christmas many of them will spend the night without shelter. Meanwhile, the prime minister organizes a dinner for the main leaders of the Christian community, and affirms that in India everyone is equal and that the country is a safe place for Christians.
Add Comment