Jabalpur: SDPI Decries Bajrang Dal’s Savage Assault on Christians, Slams State’s ComplicityThe Social Democratic Party of India unequivocally condemns the brutal attack on Christian pilgrims in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on March 31, 2025, perpetrated by members of the Hindu extremist group Bajrang Dal. This shameful act of violence against a peaceful group of priests, tribal members, women, and children participating in a Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage is an assault not only on the Christian community but on the very fabric of India’s secular democracy. The accusations of forced conversions leveled against the pilgrims are a tired pretext used to justify intolerance and aggression. We stand in solidarity with the victims, including Father Davis George, who endured physical assault, and demand justice for this heinous act.The response of the authorities in this incident is equally deplorable. The detention of the victims at Gorabazar police station, rather than their protection, coupled with the swift granting of bail to the six arrested assailants within an hour, raises serious questions about the impartiality of law enforcement in Madhya Pradesh. This incident reflects a disturbing pattern of impunity for those who target religious minorities under the guise of nationalism, emboldened by a political climate that often turns a blind eye to such atrocities. SDPI urges all democratic forces to unite against this rising tide of religious intolerance. The attack in Jabalpur is not an isolated event but part of a broader assault on India’s pluralistic ethos, where minorities are increasingly vulnerable to violence and discrimination. We appeal to the judiciary, civil society, and the international community to take note of this grave violation of human rights and press for systemic reforms to protect religious freedom.Yasmin FarooquiNational General SecretarySocial Democratic Party of India