Christian women leaders and religious heads have written to President Droupadi Murmu, asking for action against the rising violence faced by Christian women in many states.
They highlighted a recent case from Chhattisgarh, where Kunika Kashyap, a six-month pregnant tribal woman, lost her baby after being attacked for praying for a sick relative on January 2, 2025.
The letter also mentioned similar cases in other states, including incidents of killings, physical violence, and false cases against Christians in Chhattisgarh.
In Jharkhand, Christian women have faced forced conversions and isolation, while in Manipur, since May 2023, the community has witnessed sexual violence, murders, and displacement. Christian women in Punjab and Tamil Nadu have also reported being forced into sex work and facing abuse from their families and communities.
Virginia Saldanha from the Indian Women Theologians’ Forum said, “These attacks are not random. They are well-planned to scare and silence Christian women.” The leaders have asked the President for immediate investigations, protection for Christian women, and punishment for the attackers.
Dr. Vandana Benjamin from Alpha Omega Christian Mahasangh said, “Our community is under attack. We need the government to protect our rights and ensure our safety.”
More than 460 leaders and community members signed the letter, including Fr. Cedric Prakash, a well-known human rights activist, and Dr. John Dayal, a former member of the Prime Minister’s National Integration Council.
The appeal stated, “This is not just violence; it is a clear attempt to destroy our faith and freedom. We need urgent action now.”
