Religious minority representatives and human rights advocates in Karnataka, India, have called on the state government to repeal the 2022 anti-conversion law. In a joint statement, signatories including Archbishop Peter Machado and Mohammed Yahya Damudi argued the legislation violates constitutional freedom of conscience. They also urged the government to address hate speech and review other controversial policies affecting marginalized communities. The groups emphasized that repealing the act would restore confidence in fundamental rights and uphold the state's tradition of diversity. They requested concrete legislative action to ensure equality and dignity for all residents.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by SHIRAZ HENRY on UnsplashPersecuted church
In a city in India, Dominic F. Dixon accepted the International Human Rights Award from the World Human Rights Research Council. He dedicated the honor to Father Stan Swamy, an 84-year-old Jesuit priest and human rights defender who died in Indian custody in July 2021. Swamy was arrested in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act regarding the Bhima Koregaon case. Despite severe health issues, including Parkinson's disease, he remained detained until his death. Dixon stated the award highlights the need to support vulnerable communities whose voices are often ignored. The recognition serves as a tribute to Swamy's lifelong advocacy for Adivasi and marginalized groups in India.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Praswin Prakashan on UnsplashPersecuted church
A Christian family in a village in West Bengal, India, was attacked, leaving a woman unconscious. The incident sparked claims that police delayed their response for over an hour. The family, associated with a local church, alleges that attackers from a Hindu organization forced entry and beat them. This assault follows earlier threats demanding the family convert to Hinduism and abandon their faith. Police have visited the site and assisted with medical exams, but no arrests have been made. The family is currently seeking legal action as tensions remain high in the region.
A senior Congress leader wrote to the Indian Home Minister demanding strict action against those who attacked three Christian families in a village in West Bengal. The letter alleges that members of a Hindu nationalist group assaulted the victims and forced them into a public purification ritual during Durga Puja celebrations. The leader cited constitutional violations and claimed at least 60 similar attacks occurred in the state recently. He requested immediate arrests and justice for the families, who faced threats and violence. Copies of the appeal were also sent to the West Bengal Chief Minister.
A major Christian organization in India has urged the parliamentary committee to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Amendment Bill 2026. The group argues that the legislation would allow the government to seize charitable assets based solely on foreign funding origins, even without proven violations. The council warns this could disrupt essential services like schools, hospitals, and shelters. They contend the bill violates constitutional rights and international covenants. The organization recommends a proportionate regulatory approach and judicial review before asset transfers to protect public institutions and their beneficiaries across the country.
A civil society coalition submitted a memorandum to the Joint Parliamentary Committee in India, opposing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. The group argues that automatic asset vesting upon FCRA certificate cessation could seize properties of charitable institutions, minority schools, and places of worship, even without proven fraud. They warn that separating assets funded partly by foreign and partly by domestic sources is practically difficult. The coalition recommends deleting permanent vesting clauses, ensuring judicial oversight, and protecting constitutional rights to prevent disproportionate seizures by the government.
A Christian couple in a district of West Bengal, India, alleges three days of violent attacks and coercion to renounce their faith. The victims claim a mob stormed their home in a local village, demanding they convert to Sanatan Hinduism. The family reports physical assaults, abuse, and attempts to force them to disown their children. One victim filed a complaint at a local police outpost, seeking legal action under national laws and emergency police protection. Local authorities have initiated an investigation and increased vigilance. The incident highlights concerns regarding religious intolerance and minority rights in the region.
A Christian council in West Bengal has expressed deep concern over escalating violence against believers. The group reports at least 26 incidents in three months, including church vandalism and physical attacks. Despite multiple police complaints, authorities have remained silent, and perpetrators face little action. The council alleges that political figures rationalize these acts as public protests, potentially paving the way for new anti-conversion laws. Church leaders stated that the community feels vulnerable due to systematic harassment and false narratives. They urge the state government to hold hearings and ensure equal protection under the law for the Christian minority.
A fact-finding team led by a Trinamool Congress MP visited a region in West Bengal to investigate alleged attacks on Christian communities. The delegation reported incidents including threats against families in a village and vandalism at a retreat center near a city. The group claims these actions were carried out by members of a specific organization to force conversions. The team also met with a senior church leader, who expressed concern over rising hostility. Reports indicate that Christians face intimidation, social boycotts, and obstacles in accessing civic rights. The team described these developments as a threat to the region's pluralistic heritage and called for protection of religious freedom.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Front Wide Antonys Church Kollam Kerala Mar22 A7C 01676 · This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. Feel free to use my photos, but please mention me as the author. I would much appreciate if you send me an email tagooty@yahoo.com or write on my talk pag / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Persecuted church
A Santali Bible Convention in a village in West Bengal, India, was disrupted amid allegations of assault and forced conversion. Local Catholic representatives stated that a crowd gathered near the site, leading to verbal abuse and physical confrontations. Police intervened to restore order. The organizers, who are Santali-speaking Catholics, denied the conversion claims, describing the event as a pre-announced religious gathering. Meanwhile, a Hindu group organized a counter-protest, escalating tensions. Church officials have filed a complaint and requested police protection for the remaining days of the convention. Authorities are investigating the incident to ensure communal harmony and lawful resolution.
A delegation of Christian leaders, including Archbishop Peter Machado, met with All-India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge in a city in Karnataka. The group urged the party to address issues affecting Christians in the region. They demanded the repeal of the state's anti-conversion law, arguing it infringes on religious freedom. The delegation also sought a reserved seat in the Legislative Council, one percent reservation for backward classes, and greater representation on government boards. Kharge listened to the concerns and promised to raise the matters with state leaders. The meeting highlights ongoing debates regarding minority rights and constitutional freedoms in the region.
Communal miscreants attacked a house church in a village in West Bengal, assaulting women and abducting several individuals for nearly ninety minutes. A Christian organization reported the incident, and police secured the victims' release. A First Information Report was registered with legal assistance. This is the second major attack in the area recently, prompting fears of systematic intimidation. A state church leader criticized the government's silence, suggesting political patronage for the perpetrators. The event highlights growing vulnerability for minorities in the region.
Catholic bishops from Northeast India issued a joint appeal for peace and reconciliation following their annual council meeting in a city in the region. The North East India Regional Bishops’ Council expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has caused deaths, displacements, and destruction of worship sites since May 2023. The leaders condemned all forms of violence and urged residents to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and retaliatory actions. They called on government authorities to pursue dialogue and justice, while encouraging communities to work together for lasting harmony and to support victims without discrimination.
A Christian organization in India has petitioned the state government to postpone enforcing its freedom of religion legislation. The group warned that the law could be misused against Christians and other minorities, potentially criminalizing routine charitable and religious activities as 'allurement.' Citing similar issues in other states, they requested a review committee to address concerns. They emphasize that the new provisions threaten constitutional rights and community trust, urging authorities to reconsider the immediate implementation to protect minority communities from potential abuse of the legal framework.
Approximately 5,000 people gathered in a district in West Bengal for a peace rally organized by the Bengal Christian Council. The event responded to recent attacks on Christians, including vandalism and harassment. Organizers stated the march aimed to promote harmony and protest against false narratives targeting the community. BCP leaders urged the state and central governments to investigate these incidents and protect constitutional rights. They expressed concern over the Chief Minister's silence on the matter, noting that their appeals for a hearing had been ignored. This rally is part of a larger series of regional events leading to a central gathering in a major city in the region.
A Christian funeral in a village in northern India was violently interrupted. Aggressors vandalized the site, assaulted mourners, and forcibly exhumed the deceased. Local police initially refused to file a complaint. Consequently, regional church councils escalated the matter. A legal cell founder condemned the incident, alleging collusion with law enforcement. The council has filed emergency petitions seeking high court oversight to protect the family and uphold constitutional rights. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding religious freedom in the district, highlighting ongoing persecution of Christians in the region.
A senior archbishop in India has requested an independent judicial inquiry into the deaths of three men in a specific region. The local Archdiocese expressed shock over the killings by Forest Department personnel in a reserved forest area. The archbishop condemned the use of lethal force, stating it must be strictly necessary and proportionate. He urged the state government to appoint a sitting judge for the investigation and provide compensation to the victims' families. The incident occurred following an alleged shootout with suspected poachers that also injured one forest official. Tensions led to vandalism at a wildlife sanctuary office, prompting increased police deployment in the region.
A violent mob attacked a private prayer gathering in a village in West Bengal, India. The assailants assaulted 16 women and their children, vandalized property, and tortured a visitor. The attackers accused participants of illegal religious conversion. Following the incident, police detained the victims instead of the aggressors. The local Christian council confirmed that legal action has been initiated by advocates. A delegation from the region has been sent to support the affected family. The incident highlights tensions surrounding Christian worship activities in the area.
On India's Independence Day, Cardinal Anthony Poola, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, issued a message urging citizens to uphold freedom, justice, and equality. He emphasized that liberty must benefit the poor and marginalized. The cardinal expressed concern regarding violence against Christians, citing intimidation and mob lynching, and called for authorities to protect constitutional rights. Additionally, he appealed for the repeal of the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, warning it could hinder charitable institutions providing education and healthcare. He concluded by asking for a renewed commitment to a diverse and free India.
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