Violence against Christians remain high in India, 47 FIRs lodged in 673 reported incidents: Report
New Delhi: In a concerning trend, incidents of violence against Christians in India remain high, with 673 incidents reported to the United Christian Forum (UCF) helpline by the end of October 2024. Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of reported incidents (182), followed by Chhattisgarh (139).
The UCF, a Delhi-based civil society organisation focused on Christian issues, highlighted the findings in its “Violence Monitor Report 2024”. The report, as cited by Maktoob on Thursday, noted that only 47 FIRs were registered out of a total of 673 incidents.
AC Michael, national coordinator of the UCF, told the news outlet about the growing difficulty for Christians to practice their faith in India. He noted that violence against Christians has escalated in recent years, stating, “In 2014, incidents of violence against Christians were fewer than a hundred. By 2018, the number increased to 292, and it has risen every year since. In 2023, we recorded around 750 incidents, meaning two Christians were attacked every day in our country.”
Michael also criticised the police for not taking adequate action against perpetrators. “The police detain pastors under false allegations of forceful conversion rather than taking action against the perpetrators,” he added.
The reported incidents of violence include physical violence, murders, sexual violence, intimidation, threats, social boycotts, damage to religious properties, desecration of religious symbols, and disruptions of prayer services. According to the UCF, Christians are facing varying levels of violence and discrimination across 23 of India’s 28 states.
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DMK seeks separate seating in Lok Sabha after split with Congress alliance
New Delhi: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking a separate seating arrangement for Members of Parliament belonging to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) following the end of the party’s alliance with the Indian National Congress.
In a letter dated May 7 addressed to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Kanimozhi said the changed political situation made it inappropriate for DMK MPs to continue sitting alongside Congress members in the House.
She requested the Speaker to make “suitable changes” in the seating arrangement of the DMK Parliamentary Party and allot separate seating for its MPs.
“In view of the changed political circumstances and as our alliance with the Indian National Congress has come to an end, it may not be appropriate for our Members to continue occupying the present seating arrangement alongside them in the House,” the letter stated.
Kanimozhi further said separate seating would help DMK members effectively discharge their responsibilities in the Lok Sabha.
