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In India, Hindu extremists view all Christians as outsiders and aim to cleanse the nation of Islam and Christianity, often using extensive violence. This hostility is often driven by Hindutva, an ongoing Hindu nationalist belief among some extremists that Indians ought to be Hindu – and no other faith will be tolerated. This mindset has led to violent attacks across the country and impunity for the people who perpetrate them, especially where the authorities are also Hindu hardliners. In such places, Christians who attend house churches risk attack by extremist mobs who target services.
Additionally, 12 states have passed anti-conversion laws, which threaten religious freedom for individual believers.
Converts from Hinduism to Christianity face the harshest persecution. They can be pressured to return to Hinduism by family, community and extremists who conduct reconversion campaigns such as Ghar Wapsi (‘homecoming’). Converts frequently endure physical assaults and, in some cases, are killed. House church leaders are also targeted by extremists and mob violence. The rise in persecution against tribal Christians, categorised as Scheduled Tribes, has increased. Hindu extremists introduced the Delisting campaign against tribal converts to strip them of their rights and privileges.
The victims of violence are finding ways and means to restore and return to the state, but the constant attacks and killings have shrunk all hopes and opportunities. Houses are burned down, innocent lives are lost, and families continue to be displaced. If the situation continues to remain the same, another widespread violence is anticipated.
Anjali Lhing, Open Doors partner speaking about the violence in India's Manipur State
The world watched with bated breath as India held its national elections in mid-2024. Once again, Narendra Modi was installed as prime minister; but this time the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), that has overseen a deterioration of rights for religious minorities, did not win outright. Instead, Prime Minister Modi was forced to build a coalition with other political parties, including some who strongly support religious freedom.
Despite the encouraging news of the national elections, violence against religious minorities continued – including against Christians in Manipur State, home to a massive ethno-religious conflict in 2023. Additionally, upcoming state elections could restrict the rights of religious minorities if Hindu nationalist parties control legislative bodies.
More states adopted anti-conversion laws, creating an environment where any Christian who shares their faith can be accused of a crime, intimidated, harassed and even met with violence. And the northern state of Uttar Pradesh tightened its existing anti-conversion law, adding life imprisonment as a possible sentence.
Open Doors local partners strengthen the church in India by providing Bibles, emergency aid, persecution survival training, and livelihood and community development projects.
Lord, we pray for Your guidance for India's new government. We ask You to convict and empower these elected leaders to protect religious freedom for minorities, including Christians. We pray for peace and healing in this nation. Help new believers endure the pressure and violence they face for their decision to follow Jesus. Please be ever-present with church leaders who are following Your call on their lives to preach the gospel and build Your Church. May we always be fervent in our prayers for our Indian brothers and sisters. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
