BHUBANESWAR, Odisha – June 9, 2025 – Christian communities across Odisha today took to the streets in a unified protest, submitting memorandums to the President of India through District Collectors, highlighting what they describe as an alarming surge in persecution against Christians across various states, particularly within Odisha.
Dr. Pallab Lima, State General Secretary of the Rastriya Christian Morcha, revealed a grim statistic, stating, "There were 54 reported persecution incidents across the state in the last six months itself, which is the highest of its kind." He emphasized that these incidents frequently involve visible human rights violations and the denial of constitutional rights.
Among the serious allegations raised by the Christian community are instances of individuals being falsely accused of conversion. Disturbingly, Dr. Lima also cited cases where even deceased bodies were exhumed from graves, underscoring the extreme nature of the alleged harassment. Recent reports from various organizations corroborate these claims, detailing instances of Christians being denied burial rights in their villages, forcing families to convert or bury their loved ones in remote areas. Some reports even mention bodies being exhumed, desecrated, or forcibly "converted" to Hinduism before burial.
The widespread protests, organized by the Rastriya Christian Morcha (also known as the National Christian Front - NCF), are part of a nationwide movement to draw the attention of the central government to the escalating violence and discrimination faced by Christians. The NCF, in collaboration with organizations like BAMCEF and Bharat Mukti Morcha, aims to build solidarity among Christian communities and other marginalized groups in India.
The memorandum submitted today urges the President to intervene and ensure the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution (Articles 25-28). The community calls for immediate action against perpetrators of violence and for measures to safeguard the constitutional rights of Christians to profess, practice, and propagate their faith without fear or discrimination.
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