Viral video shows Jammu and Kashmir police officers standing by during attack on Christians

Eight officers suspended from duty in Kathua district: they stood by and watched during an attack by Hindu fundamentalists on a minibus carrying participants in a Christian initiative. Behind the ‘anti-conversion’ initiative is the local BJP leader, already reported for other acts of violence.

Delhi (AsiaNews) - Police in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir have suspended eight officers for failing to intervene during a brutal attack by right-wing Hindu nationalist extremists against a group of Christian preachers.

The incident, according to the website The Wire, took place in the district of Kathua on the night between 23 and 24 October and only became a case after a video showing the officers doing nothing to stop the attackers went viral on social networks.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, the group was attacked by extremists armed with iron bars and sticks in the Juthana area. The crowd was led by a local BJP leader, Ravinder Singh Thela, who was arrested after a complaint was filed by the police only after the video began circulating.

The images show at least four or five attackers destroying the windscreen and side mirror of a minibus carrying a group of ten to fifteen Christian preachers invited by local residents. According to witnesses, rumours that the missionaries were attempting to convert people to Christianity triggered the attack.

Some attackers can be seen hitting passengers inside the vehicle, while a group of police officers watch the violent scene without intervening. Only one officer reportedly attempted – unsuccessfully – to stop an attacker who was opening the bus door.

Distressed screams, including those of women, can be heard from the vehicle, while one attacker punches and kicks a passenger in the front seat and another asks to see “the other men”.

According to reports, Thela is no stranger to acts of violence: together with other accomplices, he has already been the subject of similar complaints in the Jammu division. “Further investigations are underway to arrest the other perpetrators,” added the local police superintendent.