Several reports in the past week indicate an increasing militancy by Hindu activists against Christians in India. In response, Christians are calling on the government for help. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, Protestant and Catholic groups have joined together in calling for the government to intervene in stopping attacks that are occurring at "regular intervals." According to a February 10 report in Asia News, militant Hindu groups are conducting anti-Christian rallies that incite hatred against Christians, resulting in attacks against schools, vehicles and churches, burning of effigies, as well as threats against Christians.
In the state of Goa, thirty percent of the population is Catholic. Hindu groups, however, have been campaigning to take over several old Portuguese churches, claiming they were built on the ruins of Hindu temples. According to a report from Compass Direct, a stone claimed to be a part of a Hindu idol was recently discovered in the compound of the Catholic bishop's palace.
According to a February 5 report by Charisma News Service, several churches in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh states have also been attacked in recent weeks. Six local evangelists were also assaulted in Orissa State. Their lives were spared only because onlookers intervened. The men required hospitalization for their injuries.
A delegation of American congressmen recently visited India to better understand the situation facing religious minorities in India. According to a February 5 report by Baptist Press, the congressmen expressed shock at the violence facing Christians and Muslims at the hands of militant Hindu groups. Representative Joseph Pitts promised that their report would be brought to the attention of the U.S. administration in formulating U.S. policy toward India.
Pray that the government of India would be willing to intervene in preventing further threats and violence by militant elements in Hindu society. Pray for peace and strength for Christians facing these ordeals.
For more information on persecution in India, go to https://www.vomcanada.com/india.htm.
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