Hindu nationalists attack Christian church in south India

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Hindu nationalists carried out another attack on Christians in southern India on January 31, International Christian Concern reports. Six of the twenty-eight Christians who were injured in the attack in the Ramnagara District of Karnataka required hospital treatment.

Witnesses said a gang of around 30 radical Hindus besieged Christians gathering for worship at the Jeevadayaka Prardana Mandira Church in Horahalli village, ICC reports. The attackers shouted Hindu slogans as they descended on the congregation. Some of the terrorists went straight to attack the pastor and others headed for members of the church.

Pastor Subash, head pastor of the church, told ICC: “I was shattered as everyone in the hall were screaming and crying. I collapsed to the ground after several punches. They took my mobile phone and damaged it completely. I am unable to walk now and my wife and daughter received injuries as they tried to protect me from the mob.” Pastor Subash added.

Additional witnesses said the assailants snatched Bibles away from congregants and used them to beat other Christians gathered. The gang also damaged church property in the building, ICC said. Pastor Subash added that the congregation of over 100 people remains frightened and in fear of future attacks.

No arrests have been made although four of the gang leaders were named in the First Information Report filed in the complaint to local police.

Nearly 120 Christians regularly worship at Jeevadayaka Prardana Mandira Church which rents a local hall for its services. According to Pastor Subash, the congregation remains frightened by the incident and fears future attacks.

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