Christians and Sikhs Face Rising Threats in India

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India, celebrated for its rich diversity, is witnessing an alarming rise in targeted violence against minority communities, particularly Christians and Sikhs. These attacks, coupled with allegations of complicity and inaction by the Indian government, have raised serious concerns about the erosion of secularism and the safety of minorities in the country.

The Christian community in India has faced unprecedented levels of violence in recent years. By August 2023, more than 525 attacks against Christians had been reported, including incidents of church vandalism, physical assaults, and public harassment (United Christian Forum, 2023). Pastors and congregants have been subjected to brutal beatings, while churches have been desecrated, often under the guise of allegations like forced religious conversions (Open Doors, 2023).

Human rights organizations and international bodies, including the U.S. State Department, have repeatedly criticized the Indian government for failing to protect Christians. Reports from groups like Amnesty International highlight that law enforcement agencies often delay responses or side with the perpetrators, leaving victims without recourse. Despite mounting evidence of organized campaigns targeting Christians, the Indian government has dismissed these reports as “biased,” deepening the community’s vulnerability (U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, 2023).

The Sikh community has also faced increasing hostility. From targeted killings to systemic marginalization, Sikhs in India have endured hate campaigns that undermine their safety and identity. The recent diplomatic standoff between India and Canada, following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh leader abroad, has further fueled fears within the community (BBC News, 2023).

In India, Sikhs frequently experience discrimination, threats, and violence. Attacks on Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and harassment of Sikh activists underscore a broader pattern of hostility. Human rights advocates, including Sikh organizations, have criticized the government’s refusal to acknowledge or address these issues, arguing that it emboldens extremist elements (World Sikh Organization, 2023).

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, the alignment of government policies with the agenda of Hindu nationalist groups has become increasingly apparent. Hindutva organizations, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), openly advocate for a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation), marginalizing non-Hindu communities, including Sikhs, Christians, and Muslims (Christophe Jaffrelot, 2023). These groups have been implicated in numerous mob violence incidents, accusing minorities of fabricated crimes like cow slaughter or forced conversions.

Despite their alarming frequency, these mob attacks often go unpunished. Investigative reports and testimony from victims reveal that law enforcement and government officials frequently ignore or support such actions, creating an atmosphere of impunity (Human Rights Watch, 2023).

Controversial laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir have further marginalized minorities. The CAA, criticized for excluding Muslim refugees, has been labeled discriminatory by legal experts and human rights groups (The Wire, 2023). Similarly, the revocation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, has been widely viewed as a move that disproportionately affects the region’s Muslim-majority population while deepening mistrust among all minority communities.

The international community has expressed growing alarm over the treatment of minorities in India. From U.S. congressional hearings to United Nations reports, there have been repeated calls for India to uphold its constitutional commitment to religious freedom and pluralism. However, despite mounting diplomatic pressure, the Indian government has yet to take meaningful steps to address these concerns (United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2023).

The increasing attacks on Christians and Sikhs, coupled with the government’s inaction and the rise of Hindu nationalism, signal a troubling shift in India’s democratic ethos. Silence, and at times complicity, from government institutions undermine the trust of minority communities and jeopardize the country’s secular identity.

India’s minorities deserve protection, justice, and dignity. The global community must hold the Indian government accountable to ensure that the world’s largest democracy does not become a hostile space for its own citizens. Without concrete steps to safeguard its minorities, India risks further eroding its reputation as a pluralistic and inclusive nation.