245 incidents of violence against Christians in India between January-April: United Christian Forum
New Delhi: In a troubling development, the United Christian Forum (UCF) has reported a steep rise in incidents of violence against Christians across India. According to the organisation, 245 cases were registered between January and April 2025, based on data collected through the forum’s helpline service.
The UCF, which has been collecting data via its helpline number (1-800-208-4545), stated that Christians continue to face an alarming frequency of violence, averaging two incidents per day. The report highlighted a sharp escalation in such incidents since 2014, reflecting a worrying trend in the treatment of religious minorities in the country.
The data revealed by UCF paints a grim picture of the situation. Christian tribals and women have emerged as particularly vulnerable groups, facing violence disproportionately compared to men. The organisation pointed out that the scale of violence has steadily increased over the years, with 601 incidents reported in 2022, 734 in 2023, and a staggering 834 incidents in 2024.
“In 2025, from January to April, 245 incidents of violence against Christians were reported from 19 states of India, with 55 incidents in January, 65 in February, 76 in March, and 49 in April. Uttar Pradesh continues to be at the top with 50 incidents, followed by 46 in Chhattisgarh,” the UCF said in a statement.
Other states witnessing violence against Christians include Andhra Pradesh (14 incidents), Bihar (16), Delhi (1), Gujarat (8), Haryana (12), Himachal Pradesh (3), Jharkhand (17), Karnataka (22), Madhya Pradesh (14), Maharashtra (6), Odisha (2), Punjab (6), Rajasthan (18), Tamil Nadu (1), Telangana (1), Uttarakhand (2), and West Bengal (11).
The types of violence reported by UCF include physical assaults, murders, sexual violence, threats, social boycotts, and attacks on religious properties. In several instances, Christian places of worship have been desecrated or prayer services disrupted, underscoring the growing climate of intolerance.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
