Government asked states to increase security for Christmas celebrations after recent isolated attacks on ChristiansChristians and others in India celebrated Christmas despite fears of a backlash in some parts of the predominantly Hindu country. The Indian government asked states to increase security for Christmas celebrations this year after recent isolated attacks on Christians in northern India. This month, members of a militant Hindu group allegedly beat up a group of Catholic seminarians and priests in Madhya Pradesh state. In Uttar Pradesh state, an extremist Hindu organisation warned schools in the city of Aligarh against holding Christmas festivities. Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party does not condone the violence against Muslims, Christians and others, but activists say it needs to do more to stop it.

Source: The Guardian December 25, 2017 12:45 UTC