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West Bengal Christian Groups Suspend Prayers After Attacks
Christian groups in parts of West Bengal have stopped holding prayer meetings in people’s homes.
They say mobs attacked several gatherings and frightened worshippers.
In one Uluberia incident, a group reportedly entered a house, hurt people, and broke furniture and equipment.
Police rescued the worshippers and registered a case, but no one had been arrested at the time of reporting.
A funeral burial in Purba Bardhaman was also stopped and the body was moved to another cemetery.
Some groups accused Christians of forcing people to convert religions.
Christian leaders and some political parties said people should be free to practise their faith.
Government officials said voluntary prayer is protected, but alleged forced conversions should be investigated.
Christian groups in several West Bengal districts suspended house prayers and visits after reported attacks on gatherings.
In Uluberia, a mob allegedly assaulted about 60 worshippers and damaged a rented prayer house on August 23.
Reports also described a disrupted burial in Purba Bardhaman and attacks on meetings in Howrah and Purba Medinipur.
Police registered an FIR over the Uluberia incident, but no arrests had been made when the report was published.
Supporters of the alleged attackers cited forced conversions, while Christian leaders and opposition parties defended religious freedom.
- Who
- Christian worshippers, pastors, Christian organizations, local mobs, police, and political representatives in West Bengal.
- What
- Christian groups reported attacks on house prayers, a disrupted burial, and damage to an under-construction church; some groups consequently suspended house prayers and visits.
- Where
- Several districts of West Bengal, including Howrah, Purba Bardhaman, Purba Medinipur, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.
- When
- The reported incidents occurred mainly in August, including August 14, 23, 25, 26, and 30; the church vandalization was reported on July 5.
- Why
- Christian groups cited fear after the attacks, while alleged attackers and some officials referred to claims of forced conversions; authorities said voluntary religious practice is permitted.
Religious-freedom and attack concerns
Forced-conversion allegations and local objections
What caused the incidents
Religious-freedom and attack concerns
Christian pastors and the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba described the incidents as a series of attacks on prayer meetings and religious gatherings, saying worshippers were beaten and intimidated.
Forced-conversion allegations and local objections
Singha Bahini president Debdutta Majhi alleged that forced conversions, including conversions encouraged by money, were taking place and said his group was protesting them.
Role of the authorities
Religious-freedom and attack concerns
Christian representatives said police responses were inadequate; one priest said a burial complaint produced no action, while another said police questioned church funds and credentials rather than accepting a complaint.
Forced-conversion allegations and local objections
Officials said police were handling law-and-order issues and investigating complaints. The Purba Bardhaman superintendent said the burial dispute involved the deceased not belonging to the area and questions over whether the land was a cemetery.
Political interpretation
Religious-freedom and attack concerns
The CPI(M) and TMC said people have the right to practise their religion and accused the BJP or its supporters of creating fear and targeting minorities.
Forced-conversion allegations and local objections
The state government said voluntary religious practice is protected but that forced conversions, if proven, should face legal action; BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha said he was unaware of the incidents and declined to comment.
Key facts
- Uluberia incident
- A mob allegedly entered a house prayer meeting on August 23, assaulted worshippers, and damaged the premises.
- Police action
- Howrah Rural Police confirmed an FIR was registered over the Uluberia complaint; no arrests had been made.
- Burial dispute
- A burial at St Claret Church in Sahanagar, Purba Bardhaman, was stopped and the body was taken to another cemetery.
- Other reported incidents
- Attacks or disruptions were reported in Ghusuri, Check Milepost, Jagatballavpur, and Hingalganj.
- Christian response
- Some groups suspended house prayers and visits and sought legal assistance.
- Allegation by opposing groups
- Singha Bahini’s Debdutta Majhi alleged that forced conversions using money were occurring.
- Government position
- Minister Kshudiram Tudu said prayer is a religious choice but alleged forced conversions should be handled through the law.
Quotes
Pastor Mithun Hazra
Pastor who led the prayer meeting attacked in Uluberia, Howrah
“Praying is a religious choice, and our government doesn’t believe in disturbing anyone’s personal beliefs. But if forced conversions – not those by choice – are happening, then law will take its course. One has the right to file a complaint.”
indianexpress.com
“Prayers started around 11 am. At around 3 pm, a mob chanting slogans barged in. They assaulted me and others… ransacked the house, destroyed the sound system, podium, tables, chairs, and fans. They beat up men and women.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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