Bangiyo Christiyo Pariseba (BCP), a Christian community organization in West Bengal, has expressed concern over what it described as a series of attacks on churches and members of the Christian community in different parts of the state. In a press release, the organization alleged that recent incidents followed a pattern in which attacks were followed by complaints accusing Christians of forced religious conversion. It claimed this was aimed at targeting victims through legal action and influencing public perception. These allegations have not been independently verified.
BCP cited three recent incidents. The first, which it said occurred on July 4 in the Palbari area of Paschim Medinipur district, involved an alleged attack during a private thanksgiving prayer service and reception for a newly married couple. According to the organization, women attending the gathering were assaulted, and some had traditional marital symbols removed. It further alleged that police failed to intervene and instead detained pastor Rev. Anup Ghosh on what it called baseless allegations.
The second incident, according to BCP, took place on July 5 at Grace Church in Faridpur Colony under Katwa subdivision in Purba Bardhaman district. The organization alleged that a group of armed individuals entered the church during Sunday worship, vandalized the premises, looted cash and personal belongings, and damaged residential quarters. It also claimed that an extortion demand had been made before the attack and that police did not prevent the incident despite receiving a prior complaint expressing apprehension.
The third incident cited by BCP occurred on July 5 at a newly constructed church in the Buri Bot Tala area of Subhas Gram in South 24 Parganas district. The organization alleged that a mob damaged the church, demolished a cross installed on the rooftop, and vandalized its doors. It further claimed that local police initially refused to acknowledge the complaint and that although an FIR was later registered, provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to offences against places of worship and religious sentiments were not included.
The organization also referred to what it described as a similar attack on Bethel Church in Boroboti, Kharagpur, and the subsequent arrest of its pastor, stating that the incidents had created fear among members of the Christian minority community.
BCP announced that a delegation comprising church leaders and community representatives would visit the damaged church in Sonarpur on July 11 as part of a fact-finding and solidarity mission. It also said it would hold a peaceful demonstration outside Statesman House in central Kolkata on July 14 and submit memoranda to the Governor of West Bengal and the Chief Minister seeking action on the incidents.
Among its demands, BCP called for impartial investigations into the reported attacks, the arrest of those responsible for vandalism and looting, the application of appropriate legal provisions in the Sonarpur case, the withdrawal of what it described as false cases against pastor Anup Ghosh and others, and enhanced security for Christian families and places of worship.
Thank you for shedding light on these serious challenges faced by the Christian community in West Bengal. It’s vital we recognize and discuss these issues more broadly to foster unity and understanding.
ReplyDelete