India’s Catholic bishops have urged the West Bengal government to take action against those accused of attacking a Bible convention in Nadia district, alleging that the incident violated Christians’ right to religious freedom.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), in a statement issued on October 12, rejected allegations of religious conversion and called for the people responsible for disrupting the gathering to be prosecuted. The bishops also appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene to ensure the safety of religious minorities.
The incident comes amid reports of attacks targeting Christians in the state since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in May.
More Than 2,000 People Attended Bible Convention
The attack took place on October 9 at the Annual Santali Mega Bible Convention Retreat in Jalalkhali, Nadia district, under the Diocese of Krishnagar.
According to Bishop Nirmol Vincent Gomes of Krishnagar, more than 2,000 people had gathered for the event, which was scheduled to run from October 8 to 11.
“There is no question of any religious conversion activities,” Gomes told UCA News on October 14. He said the organisers had obtained all the necessary official permissions for the convention.
According to reports, a large group entered the gathering on October 9, chanting slogans in praise of Hindu gods and accusing Christians of promoting forced religious conversions.
The group allegedly shouted anti-Church slogans, damaged church property and assaulted Christians as the gathering grew tense.
The CBCI said the incident left priests, religious personnel and participants frightened and distressed. It described the attack as a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion and urged the state government to respond swiftly.
Church Says Police Action Still Awaited
Bishop Gomes said the diocese had filed a complaint with the police but had not seen any action from either the police or the district administration.
“We hope and pray that peace will soon prevail in the region,” the bishop said.
Father Jithin Muthukattil, the parish priest of Jalalkhali, said the organisers decided to end the convention early on October 10 following the attack.
The bishops rejected allegations of religious conversion, which Christian leaders say have repeatedly been used to justify attacks on their community. They urged authorities to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
Report Documents Incidents Targeting Christians
According to India Hate Lab, a project of the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, at least 60 incidents targeting Christians were documented in West Bengal between May 13 and September 20.
The BJP won 207 of the state’s 294 Assembly seats in the May election, ending the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee.
