Anti-Christian violence in India

In India, there have been many instances of violence between Hindu nationalists groups and Christians. According to Human Rights Watch, there is large-scale violence being perpetrated by Hindu Nationalists against Christians. According to author Vinay Lal, the increase in anti-Christian violence in India bears a direct relationship to the ascendancy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

History
From 1964 to 1996, 38 incidents of violence against Christians were reported. In 1997, 24 such incidents were reported. In 1998, 90 incidents were reported.

Scenario
Incidents of violence against Christians have occurred in many parts of India. It is especially prevalent in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi. The acts of violence include arson in churches, burning of Bible, forcible conversion of Christians etc. In Gujarat 22 churches were burnt or destroyed, and another 16 damaged in 1997. On 5 November 1999, 26 students of St. Joseph’s Evening College in Bangalore were attacked by VHP activists for converting Hindus to Christianity.

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