2024 just started, but in Uttar Pradesh, India, there have already been seventeen Christians arrested this month. The anti-conversion law, which criminalizes religious conversion and inter-faith marriage, is in full force in the state.

In the Hindu majority state, the governing party is the Hindu-nationalist Bhartiya Janata Party. The government’s anti-minority laws and general hostility towards other religions made the state a hotbed of religious persecution.

The police arrest Christians based on allegations of forced conversion. The latest ones are two Christians, including a pastor, who were arrested on January 25.

For those who are under arrest, the court usually does not grant bail, and many of them are still in judicial custody. Many Christians fear practicing their faith because of the constant harassment. Even conducting a prayer service can lead to someone’s arrest.

Because of the daily propaganda and hate towards Christians coming from right-wing Hindu nationalists, even ordinary Hindus started to suspect Christians.

Source: UCAnews

Photo: Steve Eason, Flickr