Hindutva Leader’s Threat Against Christians in Chhattisgarh Sparks Outrage and Fears of Violence in India

A video message by Hindutva leader Aaadesh Soni, calling for mass violence against Christians in Chhattisgarh, has raised alarms about escalating hate speech and the safety of religious minorities in India.

Aaadesh Soni, a local Hindutva leader and media influencer in Chhattisgarh, India, has made threatening statements targeting the Christian community in the region, including plans for mass violence on March 1. Soni’s call for attacks includes threats of sexual violence against women and the killing of Christians in the villages of Bishrampur, Ganeshpur, and Jhanakpur, accusing them of “brainwashing children” through religious conversions.

In a viral video shared on his Meta profile, which has been viewed by over 30,000 people, Soni announced that at least 50,000 people would mobilize to “target Christian families, execute their leaders, and erase all traces of their faith from the region.” His speech echoed a dangerous message that was previously shared by Swami Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in January, where he openly called for violence against those involved in cow slaughter, stating, “Kill those who kill cows without sparing anyone.”

Soni’s video has not only caused widespread fear but also raised concerns about the role of the local administration in permitting such hate speech. The Hindutva leader boldly claimed that he had the support of the administration, a statement that has further intensified fears of potential violence against the Christian community in the region. Critics have voiced concerns that this endorsement, whether real or implied, could embolden extremists to act on these threats.

Msgr. Victor Henry Thakur, the Archbishop of Raipur, has condemned Soni’s hate-filled message, calling for accountability from the state government. He warned that if violence were to occur in the wake of Soni’s speech, it would not be an accident but a clear sign of the administration’s failure to act against such inflammatory rhetoric. The Archbishop held the Chhattisgarh government responsible for any attacks on Christians, stressing that the lack of action against Soni’s incitement could be seen as tacit approval.

The video’s virality and the open nature of Soni’s threats have raised alarm among human rights groups and religious leaders, who fear that the rhetoric could lead to widespread violence against Christians. The Christian community in Chhattisgarh has expressed deep concern over their safety, given the historical backdrop of religious intolerance and violence in the region.

As the situation develops, many are calling on the Indian government and the authorities in Chhattisgarh to take immediate action against hate speech and protect religious minorities. The viral video has sparked a debate on the role of social media in spreading extremist ideologies and the responsibility of the government to regulate harmful content that incites violence.