Displaying items by tag: Mob Violence

Christians in India are requesting urgent prayers after the spread of viral videos inciting mob violence against them on 1 March. During a massive Hindu pilgrimage, Aadesh Soni accused Christians in Chhattisgarh state of killing cows and called for vigilante action. Another religious leader urged followers: ‘Do not ask for the death penalty for cow slayers. Kill them and ask for the death penalty for yourselves. Do not wait for the law to act.’ Social media platforms and WhatsApp groups are mobilising thousands to take part in the attacks. Though Soni later claimed he is not against Christians, believers remain fearful. Police are patrolling targeted villages, and Christians are calling on local authorities to prevent the violence. Chhattisgarh has long been a hotspot for Christian persecution, with over 130 attacks recorded in 2023 alone.

Unrelenting violence consumes northeast Delhi as roving mobs with iron rods, sledgehammers and guns rampaged through the streets, committing arson, vandalism and terrifying residents since 22 February. On 27 February police said that WhatsApp was used by the gangs who indiscriminately injured children and the elderly. They vandalised and burnt schools, homes, cars and businesses leaving 35+ dead and 200+ injured because a new citizenship law allows 'persecuted minorities’ (Muslims Christians, Parsees, Sikhs, Buddhist etc.) citizenship status after six years of residency. From the start Hindus were considered ‘natural citizens’ of India and reject the new law. Police seized 50 mobile phones used by rioters to organise themselves by directing hired thugs from Uttar Pradesh and whipping up frenzied violence. Delhi Police and the Home Ministry said that the situation is under control, but the violence has not abated and the death toll has climbed steadily since the first day.