Meeting held with RSS leader over attacks on Christian community

A delegation of representatives from the Bangiya Christian Parishaba (BCP) met with senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Dr. Jishnu Basu on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, to express concern over mob attacks on churches and prayer meetings occurring in West Bengal for the last 4-5 months. The representatives of this interfaith forum sought Dr. Basu's intervention to stop the attacks on churches and prayer meetings.

According to a press statement issued by the BCP, the delegation expressed serious concern over attacks, vandalism, and inhumane persecution targeting mainstream churches, house churches, pastors, and believers across various districts of West Bengal over the last 4 to 5 months. It was further stated that these attacks are frequently carried out based on false allegations of forced conversions through inducements. The delegation was led by the organization's state secretary, Herod Mullick.

According to a report by The Hindu, RSS leader Dr. Jishnu Basu, who serves as the Prachar Pramukh of the South Bengal Saha region, stated that dialogue with representatives of Christian organizations will continue, but there are genuine concerns regarding the issue of forced conversions. He further added that both the attacks and the allegations of forced conversions should be investigated.

The delegation clarified that the church strongly opposes any kind of illegal conversion practices and only accepts and baptizes individuals who join of their own free will and faith. Herod Mullick demanded an investigation into the incidents of violence as well as the allegations of attempts at forced conversion. He further stated that in most cases, the members of the mobs attacking prayer meetings and churches identified themselves as members of Hindutva organizations. BCP representatives also expressed concern that the state administration is failing to respond to these attacks.

According to data from the US-based research project 'India Hate Lab', at least 60 incidents of hate crimes and targeted attacks against Christians were recorded in 13 districts of West Bengal between May 13 and September 20 this year. According to Christian organizations, attacks on churches and Christian gatherings have increased since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power.

Earlier this week, a public hearing was held in Kolkata for survivors of mob attacks, in which people from various districts participated and shared their experiences regarding the attacks and police inaction. Amidst these developments, Christian organizations will organize a gathering in Kolkata on Thursday, November 5, 2026, which will be attended by people from various districts. Under this program, three prayer processions will start simultaneously at 12:00 PM from Howrah, Sealdah, and Birla Planetarium and will converge at R. R. Avenue for a universal prayer.

Bangiya Christian Parishaba (BCP) is an interfaith forum representing the Christian community that works for the interests of Christians in West Bengal.