On this episode of 20Twenty, we talk about a serious issue happening in India, where a leader of the Hindutva movement is encouraging violence against Christians in Chhattisgarh, a central state. This alarming message was shared in a video that spread widely on social media, calling for supporters to harm Christians.
Michael Williams, an experienced journalist and president of the United Christian Forum in India, shares his thoughts on this troubling situation from Delhi. He points out that the leader’s extreme words are increasing fear and tension across the country.
“We’ve seen a huge rise in hate speech against the Christian community as well as the Muslim community,” says Michael. “And we have seen that in the rural parts of India. Such hate speech has led to rising violence against small Christian groups, and a rise in violence against Christian institutions and buildings and churches.”
Encouraging Violence Against Christians
Michael mentions that the video was posted at the start of February and featured the Hindutva leader speaking at rallies alongside others. The message has alarmed the Christian community, as many live in close-knit, separated neighbourhoods due to India’s caste system. These tight communities are often more vulnerable to hate speech and violence.
“This time there seems to be a special effort to try and get Christians into the mix,” says Michael. “To see if from Chattisgarh, perhaps this narrative can be spread across the nation. So it is a very dangerous thing.”
Traditionally, cow vigilantes have targeted Muslims, especially regarding beef issues. However, this time, the hateful words are aimed specifically at Christians. The leader’s comments link Christian areas falsely to beef exportation.
Michael warns that the threats involve not just violence but also sexual assault and murder. He indicates that up to 50,000 people could mobilise in response to this call, which could overwhelm law enforcement and lead to serious violence, reminiscent of past incidents in regions like Orissa, where Christians faced brutal attacks.
Praying for Peace
“If such a large crowd gathers,” says Michael, “there will be consequences. I can guarantee you that law enforcement agencies would not be prepared in any way to handle an emergency if it was to rise up.”
Michael stresses that various church organisations and influential figures have reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and human rights commissions asking for action. Unfortunately, there seems to be a quiet response from top leaders, which many see as an indirect approval of the violence.
“There’s been an eightfold rise in violence against Christians in the last ten years,” says Michael. “And these sorts of hate speeches are triggering that more and more and they’re going unchecked. We are all praying. We are all hoping for peace.”
In a surprising development, the extremist leader, Aadesh Soni, later posted an apology on Facebook. He claimed his words were misunderstood and insisted that his rally would be peaceful. He even stated that he respects Christians as if they were family.
However, concerns remain, especially as millions return from the Kumbh Mela festival, which could ignite more unrest.
Listen to Michael’s full interview below:
