A pastor in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has been sentenced to five years for false charges of forcing Hindus to convert to Christianity.

Pastor Vikas Nimach’s conviction under Uttar Pradesh’s Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020, highlights growing concerns over India’s anti-conversion laws. These laws, enforced in 12 states, aim to prevent forced conversions but are often criticized for targeting religious minorities, particularly Christians and Muslims.

Pastor Vikas Nimach was arrested in December 2021, along with five other Christians; police received false complaints that the six believers were giving money to Hindus to come to their church and become Christians, as well as free medical treatment and education for their families.

The Other Five were granted bail, while Pastor Nimach spent nine months in prison awaiting trial before eventually being granted bail.

On September 25, the Lower Court of Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh sentenced Pastor Nimach under Section 10(2) of the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act and fined him $1200.

Concerns and Criticisms:

International bodies, including the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have raised alarm over these anti-conversion laws. The USCIRF argues that such laws contravene international human rights standards by restricting religious freedom and imposing unjust limitations on minority religious communities. Rather than merely safeguarding against coercion, these laws are often seen as an instrument to prevent conversions to religions less favored by the state, primarily Christianity.

Many critics argue that these laws are frequently misused to target interfaith marriages and individuals from minority religious backgrounds, further stoking religious divisions.

Call For Prayers:

Farrukh Saif, the CEO and Director of ECSPE, has called for prayers for Indian Christians facing increasing persecution under the country’s anti-conversion laws. He emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with those affected, urging the global Christian community to pray for their strength and protection as they endure challenges to their religious freedom.

Saif’s appeal highlights the growing concerns for Christians in India as they navigate legal and social pressures that threaten their ability to practice and propagate their faith.