The All India Catholic Union (AICU), Asia’s oldest laity organisation, has expressed grave concern over the escalating intimidation of Christian communities in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
The 106-year-old organisation, during its working committee meeting held in Jharsuguda, Odisha, also extended prayers and well-wishes for Pope Francis, who has been facing health challenges.
Highlighting the importance of Pope Francis’s spiritual leadership in addressing global crises such as climate change, violence, hate crimes, and economic disparities, the AICU emphasized his unwavering commitment to fostering hope and healing worldwide, even amidst personal health struggles.
The AICU urged national and state governments in India to emulate Pope Francis’s vision by fostering peace and harmony.
The organisation called for decisive action against hate speech, targeted violence, and the coercion of religious minorities and marginalised communities, including Dalits and indigenous peoples.
It emphasised the government’s duty to ensure the safety and reassurance of these vulnerable groups, advocating for proactive measures to prevent violence.
The AICU also raised alarms over developments in Arunachal Pradesh, where efforts to revive the dormant Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, have sparked protests among Christians.
The organisation warned that activating this legislation could disrupt the harmonious coexistence of tribes and communities in the state.
In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s proposal to amend the anti-conversion law to include the death penalty for alleged forced conversions of girls has further deepened concerns about religious freedom.
The AICU highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur, where over 60,000 internally displaced persons continue to live in makeshift camps despite the imposition of President’s Rule.
The organisation called for urgent steps to rehabilitate these individuals and restore normalcy in the region.
Citing hate crime documentation groups, the AICU noted that by December 2024, 834 incidents of violence against Christians had been reported across India, with Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh emerging as epicentres.
The incidents include mob violence, social ostracization, and an alleged complicity of law enforcement, creating an environment of fear and impunity.
Despite these challenges, the AICU maintained that the majority of Indian citizens are not complicit in hate campaigns.
It urged authorities to identify and hold accountable the individuals and groups responsible for these acts, reaffirming its faith in the resilience and goodwill of the country’s people.
