An alarming report underscores a severe escalation in attacks on Christians in India, not linked to Muslim communities but to Hindu nationalist movements.

According to WorldNetDaily, this surge in violence is closely tied to the activities of groups like RSS and BJP, highlighting an increase in religious intolerance.

The Christian community in India, which forms a minor 2.3% of its vast 1.4 billion population, has faced increasing hostility over recent years. The American Center for Law and Justice has recently highlighted this "disturbing escalation," with incidents rising sharply from 150 in 2014 to a staggering 834 in the last year. This growth coincides with the heightened influence of Hindu nationalist groups such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The violence isn't limited to verbal threats; it spans physical and sexual assaults, and even reaches as severe as murder. These attacks have grown more frequent and brutal, as noted by both local and international observers.

Understanding the Role of Hindu Nationalist Groups

The RSS sits at the core of these tensions, serving as the ideological backbone of the BJP, India’s current ruling party. The RSS not only shapes the BJP’s policies but also influences Narendra Modi, India’s current Prime Minister, who joined the RSS during his youth and has remained an active member ever since.

Hindu nationalism has driven the BJP to promote anti-conversion laws in several Indian states. While officials claim these laws prevent forced conversions, authorities frequently use them to harass and criminalize Christian activities, portraying them as threats to Hindu culture and society.

This nationalism has also driven the government to impose several restrictions on Christians' access to government programs and services, further marginalizing the community within society.

Political Influence Exists Deep Within Government Agenda

Mohan Bhagwat, the head of the RSS, has publicly expressed concerns over "demographic changes" in northeastern states with significant Christian populations. His statements in October 2021 were followed by an uptick in violent incidents against Christians in those regions, suggesting a correlation between the rhetoric of Hindu nationalist leaders and the actions of their followers.

The anti-conversion laws and the subsequent restrictions placed on Christians reflect a broader agenda driven by Hindu nationalism. According to the American Center for Law and Justice, "These groups, both of which confirm Narendra Modi, the prime minister, as a member, 'have been accused of inciting violence and exploiting communal tensions for political gain.'

This linkage between political rhetoric and violent actions underscores a troubling trend where religious minority persecution is fueled by political motivations.

Global Implications of Increasing Religious Intolerance

The report from the American Center for Law and Justice emphasizes that the rise in violence and hostility is not merely about religious intolerance but represents a fundamental violation of human rights. Such escalation in a democratic country like India raises significant concerns on a global scale about the protection of religious freedoms.

Furthermore, the report points out, "The 'increasing hostility and violence' is not just about intolerance; it's about the fundamental human rights that are being violated every day."

Sadly, many incidents of violence and discrimination go unreported, suggesting that the actual numbers might be even higher. This lack of complete data hampers efforts to fully address and mitigate the issue.

Conclusion: An Urgent Need for Comprehensive Solutions

As India continues to play a significant role on the global stage, its treatment of religious minorities will be scrutinized. Addressing this deepening crisis involves reconsidering the role political rhetoric plays in societal divisions and taking steps to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their religion, can live without fear of persecution.

While Hindu nationalism continues to drive these disturbances, the international community and Indian policymakers must work towards ensuring that fundamental human rights are upheld, fostering an environment where religious diversity is respected rather than attacked.

Ultimately, the protection of minority rights and the cessation of religiously motivated violence must be prioritized to maintain India’s image as a diverse and democratic nation.