A series of targeted attacks and incidents of harassment against Christian communities across Punjab have marked the 2024 Christmas season, with at least twelve documented cases of violence, intimidation, and social boycott reported in December alone.
The incidents, spanning multiple districts including Firozpur, Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, and Hoshiarpur, paint a concerning picture of growing religious tensions in the region. The attacks have particularly targeted prayer meetings and Christmas celebrations, with several incidents occurring during or around Christmas Day services.
In one of the more severe incidents, Sukhwinder Singh from Village Vain Poin, Tarn Taran, sustained serious head injuries after being attacked by villagers while returning from a Christmas prayer service on December 25. The attackers reportedly targeted him for playing a dholki (a small, folk drum), accusing him of disrespecting Sikh Guru memorial days. The assault has left Singh suffering from insomnia pain.
The pattern of persecution appears to be widespread, with religious gatherings being particularly vulnerable to disruption. In Payal, Ludhiana, a prayer meeting led by Pastor Deshraj was interrupted on December 23, when his son was attacked and sustained head injuries while playing a dholki. Similarly, in Kangarwal, Machiwara, Pastor Chandarprakash Gupta was banned from conducting further prayer meetings after villagers disrupted a service at a private residence on December 25.
Perhaps most alarming is the case in Gandhinagar, Firozpur, where Pastor Vikas Masih and his family faced an armed attack on December 30. Despite the severity of the threat, police have reportedly dismissed the incident as an internal family dispute, taking no action against the perpetrators.
Speaking to Christian Today, a pastor who has chosen to remain anonymous said, “As Christians, we find strength in our faith, but it grieves my heart to see families attacked simply for celebrating the birth of our Saviour. We pray for peace and for hearts to turn towards love, not violence.”
The persecution has taken various forms beyond physical violence. In Sangar Kott, Tarn Taran, an entire community of 25-30 Christian believers faces social ostracism through a complete village boycott that began on December 23. While some affected families are financially stable, many are struggling with poverty, finding relief only through the support of the village sarpanch.
The month began with a controversial incident in Firozpur, where Dharmendar, a Christian convert, was jailed following allegations related to religious books. The incident had tragic consequences, with his father suffering a fatal heart attack during his incarceration. Upon release, Dharmendar lost his employment as a bus driver, leaving his family in financial crisis.
Even long-standing religious traditions have not been spared. Pastor Madan Lal, who had conducted Christmas programs at a local school in Tarn Taran for 15 years, was forced to relocate his Christmas service at the last minute due to local opposition. In Abohar, a congregation of 200 members led by Pastor Nirmal Masih faced disruptions during their church service on December 27, with police failing to act on formal complaints.
The situation has particularly affected vulnerable individuals like Jessica Singh in Akliya, Mansa. At just 25 years old and serving alone in ministry, she has been unable to resume Sunday worship following harassment earlier in the month on December 17.
These incidents highlight a growing pattern of religious intolerance in Punjab, with Christian communities facing challenges in practising their faith, even on private property. The lack of effective police intervention in several cases has added to the community's vulnerability, leaving many believers fearful of conducting religious activities openly.
