03/21/2019, 00.00
INDIA
Send to a friend

Hindu radicals attack Christians in West Bengal, badly beating pastor

The incident occurred in a private home in the village of Panch Gachia. Rev Anand Hari is now in hospital. The “members of others religions have no restrictions on meeting,” says prominent Christian, whilst “Christians instead are not allowed to worship Our Lord.”

Kolkata (AsiaNews) – A group of Christians was attacked in West Bengal by Hindu fanatics during a prayer meeting at the home of a Church member, Shibu Thomas speaking told AsiaNews.

Thomas is the founder of Persecution Relief, an organisation that defends Christians from persecution in India.

Rev Anand Hari, pastor of the Full Gospel Evangelical Church, who was leading the prayer, was severely beaten. He is now in hospital in serious condition.

The attack took place yesterday in Panch Gachia, a village in Paschim Bardhaman district, around 7 am (local time). "The attackers did not spare even women," Thomas lamented. In fact, in addition to the pastor, "there were eight women and two teenagers.

“About 15-20 minutes after the meeting started, 20 people suddenly broke into the house and started hitting everyone present with fists, kicks and sticks. Then they fled, leaving the wounded on the ground."

The leader of Persecution Relief explained that the incident attracted the attention of others, who took the reverend to a government hospital where he is still recovering.

The aggression against worshippers at prayer represents a serious example of religious intolerance, less than a month before the general election.

"In India, it has become difficult even to pray in private homes used as places of worship. Churches are attacked, destroyed, torched and vandalised,” Thomas said, this despite the fact that "The Indian Constitution recognises freedom of religion and freedom of assembly.”

“The faithful were only praying," he explained. "If people get together and pray for the sick, their country, their family and even politicians, they are not doing anything wrong.

“Christ brings happiness and joy to people. He is the light of the world, sent to earth for us, his disciples. It is our responsibility to spread his message as much as possible."

Unlike Christians, "members of others religions have no restrictions on meeting. They can do it in public offices or private properties, without a permit. We Christians instead are not allowed to worship Our Lord."

(Photo credit: Persecution Relief)

TAGs
Send to a friend
Printable version
CLOSE X
See also
Kolkata, Muslim students promote respect for human dignity
18/08/2017 16:23
The Missionaries of Charity now own land in the slum where Mother Teresa first served
27/04/2023 16:05
Kolkata priest leaves priesthood to run for BJP
12/03/2021 14:19
Card D'Rozario: Healing the sick and forgiving the sins of man
13/02/2019 15:57
Banging empty plates: women protest in West Bengal for jobs (Photos)
07/02/2017 14:00


Newsletter

Subscribe to Asia News updates or change your preferences

Subscribe now
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”