Christians in West Bengal Protest Rising Attacks on Churches, Report 48 Incidents Since May

Christians in West Bengal Protest Rising Attacks on Churches, Report 48 Incidents Since May
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Hundreds of Christians marched through Kolkata on Thursday to protest reported attacks, vandalism and intimidation targeting churches, prayer meetings and worship centres across India’s West Bengal state. The demonstration ended at Esplanade, where participants called for stronger police action, accountability and protection for religious minorities.

According to the Bangiya Christiya Parishad (BCP), 48 incidents targeting Christian places of worship and prayer gatherings have been reported across the state since May, but police registered first information reports (FIRs) in only 15 cases. Seven of the reported incidents involved churches affiliated with established denominations, including six Catholic churches and one Church of North India church.

Christian leaders and representatives of religious organisations joined the march, while Congress MP Naseer Hussain called on the state government to protect minority communities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Activists have also reported cases of intimidation and alleged forced religious reconversion involving Christian families in Paschim Medinipur district.