Amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultures in India, the largest democracy in the world, troubling stories of anti-Christian persecution continue to emerge. This concern is highlighted by India’s ranking as the 11th worst nation for Christian persecution according to Open Doors, placing it above countries like China and Saudi Arabia.
Recent events have shed light on the challenges faced by Christians, including an incident where a group of missionaries was targeted by Hindu extremists, and a community suffering economically due to their religious beliefs.
On October 23, missionaries traveling to the village of Juthana were confronted in a distressing encounter captured on video. The missionaries, who were invited by locals, were accused of “attempting religious conversions by offering money & insulting hindu gods,” according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
Despite the chaos, no injuries were reported, yet the actions of local police drew criticism, resulting in the suspension of eight officers for inadequate response.
Mervyn Thomas, Founder President of CSW, expressed concern: “This brutal attack is a sad reminder of the growing intolerance faced by peaceful religious minorities in regions already fraught with tension.” He urged authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure justice and protection for minorities.
In another troubling instance, a fishing village in southern India is witnessing a severe economic and social boycott against Christians, now entering its third month. This boycott started when Christians declined to contribute to the construction of a temple dedicated to the village goddess, as reported by Open Doors.
The Christians, now ostracized, are denied access to communal fishing areas, social gatherings, and essential services. Even familial ties have been strained, with relatives avoiding contact to avoid fines. The boycott affects around 100 families, forcing them to travel far for basic needs.
A local Christian housewife shared with Open Doors, “We are not able to talk to people next to our door. If we do so, we will be fined. When we go to the shop, they refused to sell items. Due to this, we struggle a lot to lead our daily lives. We feel very sad that we are now treated as aliens in the place where we have been living together for years.”
Although non-Hindus are typically exempt from funding temple constructions, local Hindu nationalists insisted on contributions. Police attempts at initiating reconciliation talks have been rebuffed by the nationalists, leaving the community in a state of limbo.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
