Escalating Violence Kills Two, Injures Another

Regular subscribers to the Persecution and Prayer Alert may have noted a marked increase in violence against Christians in India in recent months.  Sadly, that violence has recently escalated dramatically in the north-eastern state of Orissa, where three separate attacks against Christian leaders in February have resulted in the death of two and the wounding of another.

Param Sagar

On February 7, Param Sagar was returning from a regular ministry trip in the Pathalperia area when four people emerged from their hiding places, armed with weapons.  He was seriously injured, with axe wounds to his head and right hand.  Thankfully, a Christian approached on a motorcycle and the attackers fled.  Param was taken to a local hospital.  Doctors referred him to the hospital in Bhubaneswar for further tests, but he was unable to go due to finances.  Through one of our sister missions, The Voice of the Martyrs was able to provide funds to assist with his hospital bills.  Hindu militants had threatened to kill Param several times in the past because of his ongoing ministry.

Funeral for Gilbort Raj

On February 15, Pastor S. Gilbort Raj (32) was traveling on a motorcycle with two children, returning from taking the children to school board examinations.  As they passed through the village of Raja Khariar, Raj was stopped by a Hindu friend, P.Prakasan, who invited him in for coffee.  Though he initially refused, Prakasan insisted, and so Raj went into his house, leaving the children outside.  Once alone in the house, Prakasan killed Raj, locked the door and told the children to return to the hostel.  Raj's body was discovered the next day.  Police are searching for Prakasan.  Raj had been married for two years and was originally from the southern state of Kerala.  His body was returned to his home town of Trivandrum for burial.

A third Christian leader, Pastor Dilip Dalai, 22, of the Orissa Follow-up community was stabbed to death at his home in Begunia village, Khurda district, about 60 kilometres west of the state capital of Bhubaneswar on February 26.  According to AsiaNews, villagers suspect Satrughan Pal, a Hindu who had actively opposed Christian evangelists several times in the past.  Police are searching for Pal, who has fled. Pastor Hrudayaban Dandia, head of Orissa Follow-up, believes the killing may have been aimed at putting an end to the spread of the Gospel.

Pray for the continued ministry of the Gospel in Orissa, despite the opposition being leveled at the Church.  Pray for a full recovery for Param Sagar.  Pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the family and friends of Raj and Dalai.

Donations made to VOM help assist church leaders like Param in their time of need. Click here if you would like to partner with us in this way.

For more information on the continued persecution of Christians in India, click here.