Kidnapped GFA missionaries released by militants

Christian missionaries who were kidnapped by suspected Hindu militants last month in Himachal Pradesh have been reported released.

Gospel For Asia (GFA) reported of its over 60 missionaries who were abducted on February 27, and later being forced to participate a humiliating ceremony at a religious temple, where they received anti–Christian literature.

The missionaries were compelled to renounce their faith and return to Hinduism.

Bosnewslife quoted GFA saying, "It is not unusual for these extremists to kidnap believers and try to force them to bow before the statues that represent the country's traditional gods. If the Christians refuse to bow, they risk being ostracized from society, which brings much shame in the Asian culture in which they live."

GFA alleged that the militants receive support from the ruling hard–line Hindu party of Himachal Pradesh, India's least evangelized state by Christian missionaries.

"The extremist ruling party believes that keeping people in the traditional religion brings unity to the state, and ultimately the entire country. Since Christianity is so radically different than the other religions, a person's decision to follow Christ creates friction in families and sometimes entire villages."

Recently, there have been instances of violence between Hindu Nationalists groups against Christians who have been accused of aggressive proselytizing. Human Rights groups including the Human Rights Watch allege that there is large–scale violence being perpetrated by Hindutva Nationalists against Christians.