Violence against Christians in India has reached unprecedented levels, with 745 incidents reported through November 2024, according to data released by the United Christian Forum (UCF), a Delhi-based civil society organisation.
The figure marks a significant increase from previous years, with documented incidents rising steadily from 127 in 2014 to 734 in 2023. The data, collected through UCF’s toll-free helpline, shows a nearly six-fold increase over the past decade.
“The seven hundred and forty five (745) incidents of violence against Christians in India this year till November were reported on UCF Helpline Number. This means many other incidents which may have happened, but were not reported on our hotline, are not included in the total number”, the press release stated.
Notably, the figures exclude incidents from Manipur, where sectarian violence has led to widespread destruction. “Last year too, the tragic violence and bloodshed, as well as over 200 churches which were demolished in Manipur were not added to the UCF figures”, the statement noted.
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of incidents with 182 cases, followed by Chhattisgarh with 139 incidents, out of 673 total cases reported through October 2024. The incidents of violence have been reported from 23 of India’s 28 states.
This story was originally published in christiantoday.co.in. Read the full story here.