Violence and harassment against the Christian community in India have risen alarmingly around Christmas, with extremist Hindu nationalist groups accused of targeting religious events and celebrations. According to Christian and human rights organizations, more than 60 attacks on Christians were reported nationwide during the Christmas season alone, raising serious concerns about religious freedom and minority safety.

In a statement, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) said that in several states, Christian religious programs were obstructed during Christmas and the preceding preparatory period. Incidents included harassment of Christmas carol singers, disruption of church gatherings, and attempts to shut down Christmas celebrations. Condemning the violence, the CBCI stated that it rejects such acts unconditionally and without any “ifs or buts.”

Human rights groups report that the incidents went beyond harassment. In various places, churches were vandalized, Christmas decorations were destroyed, and participants in festivities were threatened. International Christian advocacy organization Open Doors said it has documented more than 60 attacks against Christians across India during the Christmas period.

One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where a visually impaired Christian woman was allegedly harassed and assaulted while attending a Christmas celebration. The accused is Anju Varghava, a local leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After a video of the incident went viral on social media, it sparked nationwide criticism. The opposition Congress party described the incident as a “heinous example of brutality and cruelty.” Under pressure, the local BJP issued a show-cause notice to the leader, although she has denied any wrongdoing. Police said no formal complaint has yet been filed in the case.

In separate incidents in Odisha and Delhi, videos circulating online show groups of extremist Hindu youths harassing people selling Santa Claus caps and insulting women dressed in Christmas attire. The attackers accused them of promoting Christianity in what they called a “Hindu nation” and attempted to intimidate those celebrating Christmas. Allegations suggest that organized extremist Hindu nationalist mobs were actively involved in these attacks.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has urged the Union Home Minister to take strict legal action and ensure the safety of Christians across the country. The organization warned that such extremist activities seriously undermine the constitutional right to freedom of religion in India.

Meanwhile, the United Christian Forum, which works on legal rights for the Christian minority, reported that the total number of attacks on Christians in India this year has exceeded 600. According to the group, the situation is becoming increasingly alarming.

India has a population of nearly 1.4 billion, of which Christians make up about 2.3 percent. They are the country’s third-largest religious community after Hindus and Muslims. Despite this, recent incidents have once again raised serious questions about the religious freedom and security of this minority community.