A report by the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has revealed a sharp increase in violence against Christians in 2024 across India, with over 840 incidents reported throughout the last year.
The report paints a troubling picture of religious intolerance across the country, with the highest number of incidents recorded in Uttar Pradesh (188), followed by Chhattisgarh (150), Rajasthan (40), Punjab (38), Madhya Pradesh (37), and Haryana (34). This number includes 640 verified cases by EFI’s Religious Liberty Commission (EFIRLC).
The attacks involve physical assaults, vandalism of churches, disruption of prayer meetings, and social exclusion. Pastors, churches, and Christians attending prayer services are the most common targets, with incidents frequently escalating during religious gatherings, especially on Sundays. On average, four to five churches or pastors face attacks every day, with significant spikes in violence during key months like January (71 incidents), September (68), March (64), and October (62). The timing of these attacks often coincided with sensitive political periods, such as during the general elections in April and May.
