Indian bishops warn of rising hostility toward Christians after arrests in Rajasthan over alleged forced conversions.
Newsroom (06/05/2026 Gaudium Press )Authorities in Rajasthan have arrested four Catholics in Kalinjara village, prompting Indian Church leaders to warn that hostility toward Christians is increasing across the country.
In interviews, Bishop Devprasad Ganawa of Udaipur and Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, retired archbishop of Guwahati, described the incident as part of a broader and troubling pattern tied to rising religious tensions and stricter enforcement of anti-conversion laws.
“A peaceful gathering disrupted”
According to Bishop Ganawa, the arrests took place during what was intended to be a routine religious gathering attended only by Catholic faithful in Banswara district, within the Diocese of Udaipur.
“The incident is strongly condemnable, as it disrupts the life of the village and the wider community,” Ganawa said. “A peaceful celebration was underway.”
He added that Christians increasingly feel scrutinized in their daily lives. “Today, being a Christian presents significant challenges, and it often feels as though we are under constant surveillance,” he said.
Despite this, Ganawa emphasized that the Church’s work continues uninterrupted, particularly in education, healthcare, and social welfare. “Our personnel serve tirelessly, reaching out to people of all castes and creeds without discrimination,” he said.
Rising incidents nationwide
Archbishop Menamparampil placed the arrests in the context of what he described as a steady rise in anti-Christian hostility. Data from the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) and its Religious Liberty Commission recorded 747 verified incidents in 2025, up from 640 in 2024.
“Every year there has been a steady increase,” he said.
Describing the Kalinjara episode, Menamparampil said a group of 12–13 Hindutva activists disrupted a prayer gathering of about 70 Catholics. The group accused participants of forced conversions and cow slaughter, leading to a confrontation that turned violent.
“The police refused to register a complaint,” he said, alleging inaction by authorities. “Our national leaders connive at these instances of violence.”
Political and ideological context
India has been governed since 2014 by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is closely associated with Hindu nationalist organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Several such groups have actively campaigned against alleged religious conversions, accusations that Church leaders deny.
Menamparampil argued that while the RSS does not directly engage in violence, it contributes to an environment of division. “It plants division among communities that leads to communal clashes and victimisation of the minorities,” he said.
He added that activists involved in such incidents often act with a sense of impunity. “Those who are ready to be beaten up or arrested are honored as heroes. They know they will be released soon,” he said.
Concerns after election results
The archbishop also expressed concern following the BJP’s victories in the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam, suggesting these outcomes could intensify pressures on minorities.
“The victory of the BJP… sends a red signal round the nation,” he said, warning of increased enforcement by “cow-protection forces,” tighter restrictions near temples, and more accusations of forced conversion.
He noted that certain religious practices, such as healing services, are already restricted in Assam, and indicated uncertainty about future policies under the new government.
A call for collaboration
Christians make up about 2.3 percent of India’s population of over 1.4 billion, and just 0.14 percent in Rajasthan, where Hindus form nearly 90 percent of residents.
Amid these realities, both bishops emphasized the need for a constructive response.
“What we suggest in response is not collision, but collaboration,” Menamparampil said. “Not ongoing tussle, but joining hands together for shared social service… Let us begin again.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
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