Govt called to act as Christians suffer increasing attacks

A brave Christian leader prays in front of a Hindu worship site on the Ganges. (Photo: Release International)

Accusations of converting Hindus are being used as an excuse to attack Christians in India, Release International has warned.

Christians account for less than five percent of the population in India, and Release warns that they are increasingly being attacked as the radical nationalist movement, Hindutva, grows in influence.

Hindutva ideology equates Indian national identity with being a Hindu, with both Christians and Muslims facing growing harassment for supposedly not being true Indians.

Commenting on the plight of the country's Christians, Release CEO Paul Robinson said the country was "of special concern."

"Attacks against Christians are growing, reflecting the growing intolerance towards other faiths from militant Hindu nationalism," he said.

"We urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action to protect the religious minorities in his country, including Christians.”

He also urged the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to speak up against the increased persecution of Christians in India.

"We call on Mr Johnson to exercise his influence over his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to change the growing culture of intolerance in the country."

Courtesy of the Christian Today UK.