Christian organisations across Maharashtra have announced a protest march at Azad Maidan on June 5, 2026, alleging increasing attacks on churches, pastors and prayer gatherings across the state. The protest is being organised under the banner of the Christian Community Anti-Injustice and Atrocity Action Committee. Organisers, including Manish Deshmukh and Pastor Prakash Boyini, cited concerns over alleged false anti-conversion cases and restrictions on prayer meetings. The groups have submitted eight demands, including SIT investigations, legal action against attackers, and protection for churches and prayer centres.
Maharashtra Christian Community Protest: Organisations Announce June 5 Azad Maidan March Over Alleged Attacks and Religious Freedom Concerns
Christian groups and community representatives have announced a statewide march at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on June 5, alleging a rise in attacks on churches, pastors and prayer gatherings across Maharashtra.
A coalition operating under the banner of the Christian Community Anti-Injustice and Atrocity Action Committee has announced a major protest march at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on June 5, 2026, citing concerns over alleged attacks on members of the Christian community and restrictions on religious practices in Maharashtra.
According to the organisers, the march is being planned to highlight what they describe as increasing incidents targeting churches, pastors and Christian prayer gatherings in several districts across the state. The organisers stated that the protest is intended to seek government intervention and stronger protection for constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, which provides for freedom of religion.
The appeal for participation has been issued by organisers including Manish Deshmukh, Professor Rupas Kalkatte, Pastor Prakash Boyini, Pastor Yehoshwa Kasbe, Barnad Nadar, Ashish Rao, Anil Bhoir, Sister Jyoti Gonsalves, Pastor Sanjay Londhe, and Bapu Choukse. Pastor Richard, pastor Sham Mathai
Allegations Raised by Organisers Ahead of Azad Maidan Rally
In their statement, the organisers alleged that more than 40 churches and prayer centres in districts including Palghar, Nashik, Nandurbar, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli have faced attacks or disruptions during the past 18 months.
They further claimed that over 200 pastors and Christian believers have been subjected to criminal cases alleging forced religious conversion. The organisers contend that many of these cases are false and have created fear among community members.
The statement also alleged that incidents similar to those reported in Jabalpur have occurred in Maharashtra, where prayer meetings were allegedly interrupted by outsiders, leading to tensions and disputes. The organisers have made these claims and have not been independently verified by Sprouts News.
Another concern raised by the group relates to alleged demands for police permissions or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for conducting prayer meetings. The organisers argue that such requirements interfere with constitutionally protected religious freedoms.
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Eight Demands Submitted to the Maharashtra Government
The protest organisers have outlined eight key demands that they want the Maharashtra government to consider.
Among their principal demands is the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in attacks on churches and pastors, along with stronger legal action against those found responsible under applicable laws.
The group has also demanded the withdrawal of what it describes as false cases registered against pastors and Christian believers in the name of anti-conversion enforcement.
A separate demand calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a retired High Court judge to investigate alleged attacks and incidents involving members of the Christian community across Maharashtra.
The organisers have further sought permanent police protection for registered churches and prayer centres, financial assistance for damaged religious properties, and reconstruction support where vandalism has allegedly occurred.
They have also requested a Government Resolution clarifying that peaceful prayer gatherings conducted on private property do not require prior permission from authorities, provided they comply with existing laws.
Additional demands include action against individuals or organisations allegedly spreading hatred against Christians through social media or public speeches and strengthening the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission by appointing Christian representatives and granting it enhanced powers.
Organisers Warn of Further Democratic Agitation
The organisers stated that if their demands remain unaddressed before the June 5 march, they may consider launching larger democratic protest programmes across Maharashtra, including “Jail Bharo” and “Chakka Jam” agitations.
The proposed Azad Maidan march is expected to bring together church leaders, pastors, social activists and members of the Christian community from different districts of Maharashtra. Whether the demands lead to formal discussions with the state government is likely to become clearer in the coming days.
Sprouts News will continue to monitor developments related to the June 5 protest and responses from the Maharashtra government, law enforcement authorities and community representatives.
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Editorial Note:
This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.
