WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) expresses deep concern over the alarming rise in attacks on Christian communities across India during the Christmas season. From harassment of individuals to violent disruptions of worship services and festive gatherings, these incidents reflect a disturbing and growing pattern of religious intolerance that gravely undermines India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion.
Videos circulating widely on social media have exposed multiple incidents across the country. In one such incident in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a woman with visual impairment was publicly abused and physically harassed during a Christmas program by BJP City Vice President Anju Bhargava. Such acts underscore the increasing vulnerability of Christians and other religious minorities, who are being targeted under the pretext of protecting Hinduism.
Additionally, a disturbing video from Ghaziabad shows a Hindu extremist, identified as Sri Satyanisht Arya (also known as, Sunnyur Rahman), confronting a pastor, making derogatory remarks about the birth of Jesus Christ and issuing threats of violence against those gathered for worship. Despite efforts by believers to de-escalate the situation, he continued chanting offensive religious slogans, including calls to ban the Bible in India. The preacher and his congregation were subjected to humiliation and intimidation, raising serious concerns about the safety and freedom of religious expression in the country.
The situation is further exacerbated by a surge in attacks and disruptions reported in states including Kerala, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. In Kerala’s Palakkad district, young Christmas carolers were violently attacked by an individual reportedly linked to the RSS, who destroyed their musical instruments. In Odisha, vigilante groups harassed street vendors selling Christmas-related items such as Santa hats, accusing them of promoting Christianity and demanding the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra” (Hindu Nation). In Chhattisgarh, right-wing groups called for a statewide strike on December 24 to protest alleged “forced conversions,” intensifying fears of coordinated violence against Christian communities during the Christmas season.
FIACONA’s Call for Immediate Action
FIACONA strongly condemns these acts of intimidation, violence, and hate, and urges the Government of India to take immediate and decisive steps to protect Christians and other religious minorities. The growing climate of hostility against Christian communities stands in direct violation of India’s secular constitution and its long-standing commitment to religious freedom.
FIACONA calls on:
- The Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, to ensure strict enforcement of the law and the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacking and harassing Christians. FIACONA urges the Government of India to take proactive measures to safeguard Christian communities during religious festivals such as Christmas, ensuring that citizens can practice their faith freely and peacefully without fear.
- State Governments to intervene promptly and impartially in all cases of violence, disruption, and intimidation. Protecting the religious freedoms of all citizens—especially those targeted solely on the basis of faith—is a constitutional obligation that must be upheld without exception.
- FIACONA further calls for an immediate end to hate speech and religious incitement propagated by extremist and vigilante groups across India. These groups continue to target Christian individuals, clergy, and congregations through misinformation, intimidation, and violence, eroding the democratic and pluralistic foundations of Indian society.
FIACONA’s Message to the Christian Community
FIACONA stands in unwavering solidarity with Christians across India and extends prayers for peace, protection, and strength during this Christmas season. We remain firmly committed to advocating for the rights of persecuted Christians and to amplifying their voices through appropriate civic and legal channels. Despite the escalating challenges, FIACONA encourages believers to continue practicing their faith with courage, hope, and love.
About FIACONA
The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to defending the rights of Christians in India and promoting religious freedom. FIACONA works to address human rights violations, raise awareness about religious persecution, and support victims of religious intolerance through advocacy, engagement, and international outreach.
