Attacks on Christians: Catholic Bishops’ body writes to Amit Shah, seeks to halt Chhattisgarh bandh

New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking strict enforcement of the law and protection for Christian communities, while condemning what it described as an “alarming” rise in alleged attacks on Christians in several states during the Christmas season.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the CBCI said such incidents seriously erode India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion.

“The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) expresses deep anguish and unequivocally condemns the alarming rise in attacks on Christians in various states of our country during the Christmas season,” the statement said.

“These targeted incidents, especially against peaceful carol singers and congregations gathered in churches to pray, gravely undermine India's constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and the right to live and worship without fear,” it added.

The CBCI said it was “particularly shocked” by a video from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh that purportedly shows a visually impaired woman attending a Christmas programme being publicly abused and physically harassed by BJP city vice president Anju Bhargava.

A video circulating on social media allegedly shows the local BJP functionary involved in a physical altercation with the woman inside church premises.

The Catholic Bishops’ body demanded the immediate dismissal of Anju Bhargava from the Bharatiya Janata Party, describing the alleged conduct as egregious and dehumanising.

The statement also expressed concern over the circulation of hate-filled digital posters in Chhattisgarh that allegedly call for a bandh against Christians on December 24, 2025, warning that such messages could inflame tensions and trigger violence.

“CBCI condemns these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms and urges the state governments and the Union Government to take urgent, visible action against all individuals and organisations spreading hatred and violence,” it said.

“CBCI earnestly requests the Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah ji, to ensure strict enforcement of law and proactive protection for Christian communities so that the joyful festival of Christmas may be celebrated peacefully, in an atmosphere of security and harmony, across our beloved nation,” the statement said.

PTI