The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over rising attacks, intimidation and hate speech against Christians across India.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing serious concern over what it described as a growing pattern of attacks, intimidation and hate speech against Christians across India, particularly during the recent Christmas season.
In the letter dated December 31, the NBCC asserted that incidents of violence against Christians were no longer isolated, but reflected a worrying national trend.
Citing figures compiled by the United Christians Forum, the council stated that more than 600 incidents of violence were reported between January and October 2025, averaging nearly two incidents per day.
These reportedly included mob assaults, disruption of church services, public humiliation, and demolition of homes and places of worship.
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Describing the situation as deeply ironic in a country that prides itself on being the world’s largest democracy, the NBCC reminded the prime minister that citizens were being targeted merely for celebrating their faith, with the freedom of religion increasingly appearing under threat.
The council also expressed disappointment over the silence of Christian legislators, including those belonging to the ruling BJP, on incidents reported from Uttar Pradesh (Bareilly), Kerala, Delhi (Lajpat Nagar), Chhattisgarh (Raipur), Assam (Nalbari district), and Rajasthan.
It remarked that the absence of strong public condemnation at critical moments had further emboldened extremist elements.
Reiterating that Christians have played a vital role in nation-building, particularly in education, healthcare, and social service, the NBCC rejected allegations questioning the community’s nationalism.
It stressed that Christian patriotism is rooted in loyalty to the Constitution and the democratic values of equality, justice and fraternity.
It also expressed concern over what it termed the normalisation of hate speech, including calls for violence against religious minorities within political jurisdictions.
Appealing directly to the prime minister, the council urged him to address the issue urgently, asserting that India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and religious freedom must be upheld both in governance and in public life.
It stated that democracy must not only function as a system of administration but also as a lived value that ensures dignity and security for all citizens, irrespective of faith.
The NBCC assured of its continued prayers for the nation and reiterated its commitment to peace, unity and nation-building.