Attacks on Bengali Christians and their churches have begun in the wake of the BJP's victory in West Bengal. Last week, a group of us led by Karwan-e-Mohabbat (the organisation founded by former IAS officer Harsh Mander), heard testimonies from Christians across the state. We came away with the conclusion that this was a new phenomenon, one that was being condoned — if not actively encouraged — by the government, and that it was likely to intensify with time.

One of us, former TMC MP Jawhar Sircar, theorised that the attacks were taking place because thugs were positioning themselves as party leaders. Given the relative absence of a BJP organisational structure at the local level in the state, this space was being occupied by those seeking to make a name for themselves through violence. This explanation seems convincing, particularly after hearing the accounts of survivors, and reinforces the conclusion that the attacks are likely to grow.

The stories bore a striking resemblance to what has been happening in other states captured by the BJP, such as Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Mobs descend on places where people have gathered to pray, sometimes village churches and sometimes private homes.

Churches are desecrated; in one instance, a cross was vandalised. Those gathered for worship are abused and beaten up. Women worshippers are not spared and are sometimes sexually assaulted. Christian children have been slapped around.........

© National Herald