Persecution Update: Pastor attacked in Jammu, AP

Jammu pastor beaten and accused of forceful conversion

Jammu and Kashmir Police detained Pastor Salamat Masih and three others on false charges of forceful conversion on Sept. 17 in Hira Nagar.

Hindu extremists allegedly from the Shiv Sena beat the pastor and falsely accused him of offering rupees 10,000 to each of three converts from Hinduism about to be baptized, reported an Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) correspondent.

Police arrived and took the pastor and the three others to the police station, keeping them in custody for two days as a safety measure to thwart any further attacks from the extremists.

No case was filed against the pastor after the intervention of local Christian leaders.

Pastor brutally attacked in Andhra Pradesh

Hindu extremists allegedly from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Shiv Sena on September 10 attacked a pastor, accusing him of cheating people and forceful conversion.

The pastor, Ramanjaniah, was beaten and paraded naked by the extremists in Tumkur, Karnataka, according to the EFI.

The pastor was conducting a prayer meeting at a Christian's house when the intolerant radicals stormed into the house and assaulted him, reported EFI correspondent Rev. Noel Kotian

"They tore a Bible and punched and kicked the pastor, continuously beating him as they marched him about one kilometer," the correspondent said. The pastor received hospital treatment for fractures in his face and leg.

The extremists pressured police to restrain the pastor from future preaching, but officers only requested the pastor to inform them before he conducts worship meeting in future. They promised police protection should the need arise.

EFI thanked God for the favor received from the police and requested for ceaseless prayers for the safety of Christians in Karnataka, which recorded the highest number of attacks on Christians in India during the first nine months of this year.

Pastor attacked in Madhya Pradesh

On 28th September 2009 Hindu radicals attacked Rhema Gospel Church in Maharajpur Katni Road, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, reported the Global Council of Indian Christians.

"Around 12.30 pm about 15 anti-Christian fanatics on 6 motorcycles broke into the house church shouting slogans Jai Sri Ram and damaged the cross in the entrance," GCIC said.

The radicals are suspected to be members from Abhinav Bhrathi (a Hindu extremist wing suspected to be involved in bomb blasts in different parts of India). The extremists threatened the church pastor, Peter Johnson Lal (51) of further attacks.

Pastor Lal has submitted a complaint letter to Adharthal Police Station. The police in-charge has reportedly forwarded the letter to City Superintendent of Police and Collector.

The police assured speedy investigation, GCIC said.