List of violence on Christians in 2008: GCIC

The year 2008 is a very significant and unforgettable year for Christians in India. It was the year, which shocked the small Christian community on whom unabated violence was perpetrated on erroneous claims.

Global Council of Indian Christians, an advocacy group based in Bangalore, enumerated the list of attacks that occurred last year.

1 Andhra Pradesh 38
2 Karnataka 112
3 Orissa 236
4 Madhya Pradesh 34
5 Kerala 10
6 Kashmir 4
7 Chattisgarh 10
8 Bihar 3
9 Maharashtra 5
10 Jharkhand 4
11 Uttar Pradesh 9
12 Himachal Pradesh 2
13 Arunachal Pradesh 1
14 Tamil Nadu 8
15 Rajasthan 4
16 Delhi 5
17 Punjab 1
18 Goa 1
19 Gujarat 1
20 Manipur 1

According to the group, 4000 Christian homes were destroyed and 121 martyred for their faith in Christ. In the usually peaceful state of Karnataka, 112 attacks were recorded in different districts.

Hindu fundamentalists from decades have been accusing Christians of conversions and have indulged in violence against the Church. With unsubstantial claims, they have led protests leading to arrests of pastors and Christian laymen, who are often charged of "forceful conversions".

In Orissa, the murder of a local VHP leader led to the outbreak of violence. Ignoring the Maoists claim of responsibility, Christians were accused for the assassination of Swami and four of his aides. Fortunately, the timely intervention by the government authorities led to a peaceful Christmas in Orissa's Kandhamal district.

Christianity with 24 million followers, constitute 2.3% of India's population.