Christians in India are facing a growing wave of violence, with an average of two attacks reported each day, according to a new report by the United Christian Forum (UCF), a Christian civil rights group.
Between January and April 2025, the UCF documented 245 incidents across 19 states. These included physical assaults, killings, threats, social boycotts, destruction of church property, and the disruption of worship services. The victims are often women and members of tribal communities, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalised groups.
The report reveals a steady rise in violence over recent years. In 2014, there were 127 cases reported to the UCF. By 2021, that number had risen to 505. In 2023, the number climbed to 731, and in 2024, it reached 834 incidents—marking the highest number to date.
March 2025 alone saw 76 new cases, continuing the concerning trend. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Haryana were identified as the most affected regions.
While the Indian constitution guarantees freedom of religion, Christian leaders say these constitutional rights are often not upheld. The UCF believes that many attacks go unreported, and that official responses are frequently inadequate or delayed.
The rise in violence has coincided with increasing religious intolerance and political rhetoric targeting minority communities, according to the UCF. Legal measures and hate speech are believed to be contributing to a climate of hostility.
Christian leaders and human rights advocates are urging the Indian government to take immediate steps to protect the country’s Christian population. Their recommendations include stronger enforcement of existing laws, independent monitoring of religious violence, and greater accountability from local authorities.
The UCF has called for both national and international attention to the issue, stressing the need for urgent action to safeguard the rights and safety of Christians in the country.
