Photo: Morning Star News
A frenzied mob of more than 200 people burst into a worship service on Sunday, October 3rd, and began beating Christians, vandalizing the building, and looting items belonging to the church. The violent incident happened in Roorkee, a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Two women sustained injuries in the attack, one of whom was taken to hospital in critical condition. The attackers alleged that the Christians were involved in religious conversion activities. According to Pastor Priyo Sadhna Porter, many of those involved in the violence were known members of Bajrang Dal, a militant Hindu nationalist youth organization. Some of the militants had previously demanded that the church be shut down. When approached about the attack, a local spokesperson of the BJP political party condemned the incident but then later justified the mob's actions by saying that "residents of the locality have been cautioning against religious conversions."
Based on a complaint from the pastor, a police report has been filed against some of the leaders of the militant organizations, as well as 200 individuals whose names were not publicized. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in India, go to our country report.
Lift up to the Lord in prayer those who were wounded in this additional recent attack, asking Him to fully heal them of their injuries. Also prayerfully intercede for the ongoing ministry of this church as it continues to serve God and others in the midst of strong opposition. May He fill these believers with strength and courage as they remain beacons of the light and love of Christ among their opposing community. Pray that those responsible for this attack will be brought to justice and, of even greater importance, that they will realize the error of their ways, repent and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord.
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