Bangiya Christiya Pariseba alleges 26 persecution cases, seeks CM Suvendu Adhikari’s intervention

The Bangiya Christiya Pariseba, representing more than one and a half million Catholic and non-Catholic Christians in West Bengal, has lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. They allege 26 instances of persecution in the last three months, requesting his attention to the escalating security issues the community faces.

The memorandum, signed by the group's founding state secretary Herod Mullick, highlights false narratives, malicious propaganda, physical violence, and targeted harassment against Christians, churches, and community institutions in numerous districts. The organization states they are writing to the Chief Minister on behalf of the Christian community, which consists of over 1.3 million believers, expressing deep distress, pain, and a growing feeling of vulnerability.

According to the group, 26 persecution cases have been recorded in the past three months, with 11 leading to the filing of FIRs. They claim that numerous other incidents have not been reported. The organization also criticizes administrative inaction, alleging that victims are being blocked or dissuaded from filing FIRs. Concerns are raised about public figures legitimizing vigilante actions as "public protests."

The Bangiya Christiya Pariseba has requested an immediate meeting with the Chief Minister, along with a delegation of clergy and community leaders, to present what they claim are verified facts. They have also sought orders for district police to register FIRs promptly and carry out impartial investigations. Further demands include ensuring police protection for vulnerable churches and prayer halls, and shielding the community from responses based on what the group terms "unverified fundamentalist propaganda."