UCF Condemns Weaponization of Anti-Conversion Laws Against Minorities in India

The United Christian Forum (UCF) has raised concerns about the misuse of anti-conversion laws to persecute religious minorities in India. During a recent meeting with Kiren Rijiju, Indian Minister of Minority Affairs, the UCF urged the repeal of stringent anti-conversion laws enforced in 11 states, most of which are governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In their memorandum, the UCF detailed a troubling rise in violence and discrimination against Christians. The document reports 727 incidents of violence against Christians in 2023, part of a disturbing trend. The first half of 2024 has already seen 361 targeted attacks.

Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh, both BJP-ruled states with active anti-conversion laws, reported the highest number of incidents: 96 and 92 respectively. The memorandum states that police often collaborate with Hindutva groups to target Christians, who make up just 2.3% of India’s 1.4 billion population.

The UCF delegation highlighted severe cases of persecution, including murders, false accusations, social ostracism, and denial of burial rights in India. They condemned the brutal violence against Christians, despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.

To conclude, the UCF’s appeal to Minister Rijiju emphasizes the need to address the misuse of anti-conversion laws and protect religious minorities from escalating violence and discrimination in India.