A pastors' conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh state was attacked by about 100-150 members of the Hindu militant group Dharam Sena (Religion Army) on February 2.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. the militants barged into the Singh Palace banquet hall in Pandri, a sub-district of Raipur. When the female manager tried to stop them from entering, they manhandled her and started to attack the people. At least ten of the Christian leaders present were injured. Two foreigners, identified only as Mr. Jack and Mr. Coli, were also beaten by the mob. The militants verbally insulted the Christians and accused them of forcibly converting Hindus. The mob damaged chairs on the property and stole a laptop, two mobile phones, digital cameras and 5,000 rupees ($134 CAD) in cash from the participants.
Police registered a complaint against the "unidentified" attackers for several violations of the Indian Penal Code, such as rioting and use of deadly weapons, but did not register the local pastor's complaint.
Ask God to give healing to all those who were injured in this attack. Pray that these believers will continue to be faithful to the task the Lord has given them, relying on the Lord's strength and not on their own (2 Corinthians 1:8-9). Pray that Christians in India will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).
For more information on persecution in India, click here. The February edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter features the persecution of Christians in India. Click here to subscribe and read the feature article today.
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