Syro-Malabar Church Flags Concerns Over Christians’ Safety in BJP-Ruled States

Quick Summary

• The Syro-Malabar Church media commission expressed concerns about the safety of Christians in BJP-governed States, highlighting insecurity adn fear reportedly caused by Sangh Parivar organizations.
• A protest statement was issued by Fr. Tom Olikkarott, PRO of the Church, condemning an alleged attack on priests and nuns in Gangadhar village, Jaleswar (Odisha) on Thursday.
• Two priests, Fr. Lijo Nirappel and Fr. V.Jijo, were reportedly assaulted by a group suspected to be 70 Bajrang Dal activists who also damaged vehicles and confiscated mobile phones.
• The commission accused local police of being “mute spectators” during the incident and connected it to a pattern of reluctance to act in previous cases such as attacks on nuns in Chhattisgarh.

Published: August 7, 2025
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Indian Opinion Analysis

The alleged attack on Christian priests and nuns raises vital concerns regarding religious harmony and law enforcement accountability within India’s pluralistic society. Patterns highlighted by the Syro-Malabar Church-such as an apparent reluctance from authorities to intervene-could amplify feelings of vulnerability among minority communities. Furthermore, repeated incidents across different states suggest underlying systemic issues that warrant attention from both state governance frameworks and central leadership.

Ensuring democratic rights for all citizens-including religious minorities-remains essential for India’s constitutional integrity. Constructive dialogue involving stakeholders like religious leaders, civil society actors, state officials, and law enforcement may help address tensions while reaffirming India’s commitment to secularism enshrined within its founding principles.