NEW DELHI – Religious minorities in India are facing growing fear as hate-driven violence continues to rise across several states. Christians, a community of more than 30 million people, are increasingly feeling Unsafe amid repeated attacks, intimidation, and public hostility. Rights observers warn that this trend threatens India’s constitutional promise of secularism and religious freedom.
Reports highlighted by an American newspaper point to a steady increase in attacks on Christians during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule. While Muslims have long faced discrimination in jobs, housing, and politics, recent events show Christians are now also being targeted. Many families say daily life has become Unsafe, especially during religious gatherings and festivals.
Christians make up only about 2.3 percent of India’s population. Despite this, extremist Hindu groups accuse them of forced religious conversions. Twelve Indian states have laws against conversion through “coercion or inducement.” Critics argue these laws are vague and often used to harass pastors and church workers. Even peaceful prayer meetings are sometimes labeled Unsafe or suspicious.
Christmas, once a widely accepted public holiday, has turned into a flashpoint. Senior political leaders have openly criticized the celebration. On Christmas Eve, crowds gathered outside churches in several cities. Videos showed people chanting hateful slogans against Christian missionaries.
In Madhya Pradesh, a local ruling party leader disrupted a Christmas event inside a church. A blind woman was assaulted during the chaos. The video spread quickly online and sparked outrage. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, decorations in shopping malls were destroyed. Santa Claus figures were vandalized in public spaces. Similar incidents were reported in other BJP-governed states.
Human rights group Citizens for Justice and Peace said Christmas had become a stage to display majority dominance. The group stated that attacks on Christian symbols were deliberate messages of exclusion.
The United Christian Forum reported a sharp rise in violence. Attacks increased from 139 cases in 2014 to 834 in 2024. By November 2025, 706 incidents had already been recorded.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom urged India to be labeled a “country of particular concern” in its 2025 report. It cited police inaction and lack of accountability.
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Although Prime Minister Modi attended a Christmas service in Delhi, critics said symbolic gestures are not enough. They argue that without firm action, minorities will continue to feel Unsafe across the country.
