Hindu nationalist policies in India: 300 American Christian leaders support Indian minorities
The situation for religious minorities in India has worsened dramatically since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, assumed office in 2014. According to reports, there is a significant rise in violence and discrimination against Christians, Muslims, Dalits, and Indigenous tribal peoples. More than 300 American Christian leaders recently urged the U.S. State Department to designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” in response to the escalating state-sanctioned human rights violations. By 2023, there had been a 720 attacks against Christians which is far more than 127 in 2014, as pointed out by the Federation of Indian-American Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA). This call to action highlights the critical importance of the worldwide community noticing the suffering of religious minorities in India as a result of Modi’s rule.
The letter, signed by more than 300 ecumenical Christian leaders, describes the risks faced by Christians, Muslims, Dalits, and indigenous Indians. This incident exemplifies the disturbing trend of increasing violence that has its roots in the Hindu ethno-nationalist ideology, which identifies aggressive Hinduism with Indian identity. The problematic way of thinking has normalized and tolerated persons harming various communities on the street. According to declarations made at the international level, every person has the inherent right to liberty and dignity. The letter’s authors are pleading with the audience to unite in their opposition to these atrocities.
According to the New York Times, in December 2021, anti-Christian vigilantes ravaged cities, brutally assaulting Christians, setting churches and schools on fire, and destroying Christian literature. Two major incidents that occurred recently demonstrate that overall crime has decreased significantly. The Indian government approved the burning down or damage of more than 400 churches and forcibly removed over 65,000 people, mostly Christians, from their homes in Manipur. In 2022 and 2023, the Indian government forcibly removed thousands of Christians from their houses in Chhattisgarh because they refused to convert to Hinduism. The raiders looted, burned, and invaded their homes. The town’s authorities forbade Christians from practicing their religion in any public place, even their homes.
The urgent call from Christian leaders in the United States is very important to stop the rising number of human rights abuses in India. They want the Indian government to take responsibility for not protecting the equal human rights of religious communities. They plan to do this by asking the U.S. Department of State to label India as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The Indian government may have to protect religious freedoms if this action leads to real consequences for officials who break the law. We need to support human rights groups and independent faith groups in the U.S. and Europe to continue their vital work and provide a voice to the voiceless in order to create a more equitable and welcoming society for all.
There is a widespread belief that the present Hindu racist administration in India is to blame for the increase in violence. These measures blend the forceful Hindu doctrine with the identities of Indian citizens.
The fact that the United States admires the present administration of India obscures the persecution of religious groups, said Rev. Neal Christie, Executive Director of FIACONA. According to these Christian leaders, the international community must act immediately to put an end to these human rights abuses. The New York Times states that in December 2021, vigilantes who were anti-Christian wreaked havoc in communities, stormed churches, tore Christian literature to shreds, assaulted schools, and even assaulted worshippers. Major assaults in Manipur and Chhattisgarh have forced hundreds of churches and thousands of Christians to flee their homes, exacerbating an already dire situation. We are urging members of all Indian faiths to take action to ensure the accountability of the Indian government and the protection of their rights.
If the rest of the world does not hold the Modi government accountable, there could be widespread bloodshed, ethnic riots, and chaos, which would make Indian society less stable and put regional peace at risk.
