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India

  • Pastors attacked by Hindu militants


    Pastor Erra Krupanamdam
    Photo from GCIC

    The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of violence against Christians in India in recent weeks, including two attacks on pastors.

    On March 9, Hindu militants armed with rods and hockey sticks barged into the home of Pastor A.K. Wilson in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi and accused him forcibly converting people. The militants beat him, his wife and his son and robbed him of 15,000 rupees ($370 CAD). They also told him that they would burn his house down and murder his family if he did not leave the area within one week.

    At approximately 6:00 p.m. on March 11, Pastor Erra Krupanamdam was returning from a prayer meeting in a new believer's home in the district of Medak, Andhra Pradesh when he was attacked by a mob of Hindu militants. The militants spoke out against the pastor's faith, told him not to conduct any more prayer meetings and beat him. He suffered fractures to his back and ribs. Later that night, with the aid of local pastors, Pastor Krupanamdam registered a complaint at the police station. At last report authorities had apprehended one of his assailants.

    Pray for healing for these believers. Ask God to give church leaders in India the wisdom to know how to shepherd believers through times of suffering (James 1:5).

    To find out more about the plight of Christians in India, go to theIndia Country Report.
  • Pastor shot in Bihar state

    On March 8, the Prarthana Bhawan church in Rothas district, Bihar state, India was attacked by a 25-year-old man who threw a bomb through the window, according to a March 10 report from Compass Direct. As church members fled, the assailant, Rajesh Kumar Singh, entered the building and shot Pastor Vinad Kumar (35). Singh was apprehended by church members before he could inflict more harm. In a statement given to authorities, Singh revealed that he had intended to kill Pastor Kumar in an effort to stop conversions to Christianity in the area and had planned to take his own life. Local Christians claim that the presence of Hindu nationalist groups has increased in the area in recent weeks and the pastor had received a threatening letter from militants demanding that he stop preaching. At last report, Pastor Kumar was hospitalized with serious injuries but was expected to make a full recovery.

    Pray for healing for Pastor Kumar. Pray that Singh would understand the truth about Jesus and come to faith in Him. Pray that the bold faith of Christians in India will be a light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.
  • Pastors arrested in Madhya Pradesh

    Three pastors were arrested in recent weeks in Madhya Pradesh, India for their alleged involvement in selling a book offensive to Hindus at a January conference in Anuppur district. Two individuals were selling books entitled "Secularism and Hindutva" near the site of the three-day prayer conference. A group of Hindu militants purchased a copy, brought it to the local police station and filed a complaint against the conference's organizer, Pastor Paulose. After explaining to police that he was unaware that the books were being sold, Pastor Paulose was reprimanded and released. However, on February 25 he was again arrested. At last report he was denied bail and was being held at the Chachai police station.

    On February 19, two other pastors were arrested for "deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings" in connection with the complaint about the book. At last report, one was being held at the Shadol district jail while the other was freed on bail.

    Pray for the release of the imprisoned pastors. Ask God to give them and other suffering believers in India grace, wisdom and endurance as they serve Him (1 Peter 5:10).

    To learn more about Indian Christians under fire for their faith, visit theIndia Country Report.
  • Pastor beaten, Christians arrested

    The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians in India in recent weeks.

    At approximately 11:30 a.m. on February 22, Hindu villagers disrupted a worship service and beat Pastor K. Krupanamdam in Gabbilalpet, Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, according to a February 22 report from All India Christian Council. Two police officers were stationed in the church at the time of the attack because local villagers had recently expressed their desire to seize the property. However, they were not able to get the situation under control until more officers arrived on scene. Pastor Krupanamdam was eventually taken to the police station where he registered a complaint against his attackers.

    At approximately 9:30 a.m. on February 24, two Christian women, K.P. Mary (34) and Sangamma (49), were arrested on charges of forcible conversion in the village of Ravaruu, Karnataka. When Hindu militants noticed the women visiting with two new converts to Christianity they lodged a complaint with police.

    Pray for Pastor Krupanamdam as he recovers from the attack. Pray for the release of the arrested believers. Pray that those oppressing Christians in India may experience repentance and salvation (Acts 9:1-19).

    To learn more about Christians suffering for righteousness' sake in India, go to theIndia Country Report.
  • Christian killed, believers threatened in Kandhamal

    Hrudayananda Nayak (40) was found dead in the village of Rudangia, Kandhamal district, Orissa state on February 19. The day before, Nayak was abducted by a group of Hindu militants while on his way home from a nearby town. Nayak is the third Christian known to be murdered in the area since late October.

    Christians in Kandhamal displaced by anti-Christian violence (click here for more) remain fearful to return home to their villages. According to a February 18 report from Compass Direct, 18 families in Bareka village were recently forced to undergo Hindu rituals and sign documents that stated they had converted to Hinduism of their own will. Approximately 400 Christian families from Piangia Budaripura village remain in a relief camp because militants have stated they can only return if they convert to Hinduism. In Betticola village, the construction of a Hindu temple on the site of a destroyed church building (click here for more details) has been stopped by officials. However, according to a February 25 report from AsiaNews, they are also refusing permission to rebuild the church building until the deed of ownership is presented.

    Pray for the Nayak family as they mourn. Pray for daily protection and strength for Christians in Kandhamal (Hebrews 12:2-3).

    For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, go to theIndia Country Report.
  • Christians threatened and mistreated in Kandhamal, India

    Despite government assurances of stability in Kandhamal district, Orissa state, the tension remains high for Christians returning from the relief camps to what remains of their homes, churches and livelihoods. According to a February 6 report from AsiaNews, approximately 17 people visited the village of Jhimangia in Kandhamal on February 2 to survey the damage before moving back. However, when they arrived, they were surrounded by Hindu villagers who warned them that they could not return unless they converted to Hinduism. Other Christians who have moved back to the district are reportedly facing harassment and discrimination. Elsewhere in the district, a foundation for a Hindu temple has been laid on the site of a church that was burned to the ground in August.

    Pray for boldness for Christians returning to their homes in Kandhamal district. Pray that the believers will be a light that draws their Hindu neighbours to Christ (Matthew 5:14-16).

    Learn more about the persecution of Indian Christians at theIndia Country Report.
  • Attacks on Christians throughout India

    Pastor T. T. Abraham
    Photo from GCIC


    The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians in India in recent weeks.

    At approximately 11:15 a.m. on January 22, Pastor T. T. Abraham (52) was distributing Bible tracts in Vaithiry, Kerala state when he was beaten and kicked by three Hindu militants. The assailants fled when they saw a rickshaw driving by. Pastor Abraham sustained injuries to his neck, stomach and back.

    On January 24, approximately 500 Christians were attacked by Hindus when they attempted to return home by boat from Majuli Island in Assam state, where the believers had attended a priest's consecration service. The Hindus hurled insults at the Christians, accused them of forcible conversion, and beat several people. The Christians fled in fear and did not return to the boat dock until later in the evening, when they were able to leave the island under police supervision.

    On January 26, members of the Navjivan Fellowship Church were conducting a baptism in the city of Gangapur, Maharashtra state when a group of Hindu militants armed with cricket stumps, iron rods and sticks arrived. Shouting "Jai Shri Ram" (hail to Lord Ram), the militants beat those present, including women and children. They also damaged the car of one Christian. One believer was injured in the head and others sustained broken limbs.

    Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that those who accuse Christians of forcible conversion will be silenced. Ask God to enable Christians in India to grow in Christlikeness through their trials (James 1:2-4).

    For more on Christians suffering for their faith in India,click here.
  • Ten men charged with raping nun

    Indian police charged ten men on January 29 for the rape of a Catholic nun that occurred during anti-Christian violence that erupted in Orissa in August (read the story). On August 25, a mob of Hindu militants attacked the prayer hall in the village of K. Nuagaon, Kandhamal district where Sister Meena (29) worked. She was grabbed by several men who tore off her clothes and held her down while one man raped her. Sister Meena was then paraded naked through the streets along with a priest. Although police were present, they did nothing to stop the assault. The ten have been charged with gang rape since assisting rape carries the same charge as actually committing the crime according to Indian law. At last report, the rapist had not yet been found.

    Pray that authorities will bring to justice all who were involved in the attack. Pray that Sister Meena will look to God for strength as she recovers. Pray for a lasting peace in Orissa state.

    Find out more about how Indian Christians suffer for Jesus' sake.
  • Pastor beaten in Andhra Pradesh

    On January 16, Pastor Yakobu (37) was attacked by Hindu militants at his home in Gumpula village, Andhra Pradesh, India. At approximately midnight, Pastor Yakobu was home alone when he heard a knock on his door. When he answered, six men burst in, beat him, cut him with a knife and shaved his head. They also set fire to his clothes and books and shouted that they didn't want any pastors in the village. The next morning, Pastor Yakobu and several local pastors went to the police station and filed a complaint against the attackers.

    Pray for healing for Pastor Yakobu. Pray that he, his wife and their children will rely on God's guidance and care. Pray for an outpouring of the Lord's Spirit in India to embolden and strengthen Christians facing trials for their faith.

    For more on the persecution of Christians in India, go to theIndia Country Report.
  • Update: Relief camps closed down in Orissa

    Government authorities have shut down relief camps in Orissa, India, forcing the thousands of Christians displaced by the wave of violence that began in August (click here for more details) to flee without adequate protection against further attacks or compensation for damages sustained. Many of the believers were threatened with violence while in the camps and fear further attacks if they return to their homes, many of which have not been rebuilt. Officials are providing some of the refugees with 10,000 rupees (approximately $200 CAD). However, the sum is inadequate to meet the believers' long-term needs and it is unlikely that many will be able to secure employment, as local Hindus often refuse to hire Christians.

    For more information on the persecution of Christians in India,click here.

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