India, Aug. 17 -- Can the Christians of India, who constitute barely 2.3% of the population, force Hindus to convert, more so when almost all authorities, from the local police constable, the Executive, Judiciary right up to the President of India, belong to the majority faith? This claim is prima facie absurd, averred Dr John Dayal, former National President of the All India Catholic Union, at a recent Conference in Lucknow.

It was convened by Magsaysay Awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey of the Socialist Party of India on August 8 at the Lucknow Press Club. A report on atrocities/victimisation of Christian preachers and pastors in Uttar Pradesh, as a consequence of the UP Protection of Religion Act 2021, was presented. Seventeen documented case...