(Photo: Morning Star News)
In central India, a Christian community has been left in shock following a violent assault by Hindu extremists during a Sunday service. The attack, which took place on 8 June at the Penial Prayer Fellowship in Borsi village, Chhattisgarh, resulted in severe injuries and destruction of religious materials.
Pastor Wakish Sahu recounted the harrowing incident where approximately 15 attackers infiltrated the church, armed with wooden rods, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” (Hail Lord Rama). “They forcibly entered the church, disrupted the worship service and were carrying wooden rods and shouting slogans like ‘Jai Shri Ram’ [Hail lord Rama],” Pastor Sahu told Morning Star News.
The assailants reportedly destroyed church property, including chairs and musical instruments, and set ablaze all Bibles and Christian literature. Congregants, including women and the elderly, were subjected to brutal beatings.
Among the injured was Pastor Sahu’s father, Mannohan Sahu, who suffered a severe assault leading to unconsciousness. “My father was being beaten up, and during this time blows landed near his ear, and he lost his consciousness,” stated Pastor Sahu.
Following the attack, seven individuals required medical attention, among them Pastor Sahu’s mother who was hurt while trying to protect her husband.
This incident marks the second attack on the church within a year, leading to a significant drop in attendance due to fear. “Since the attack, the believers have stopped coming for worship as they are too scared,” Pastor Sahu commented, highlighting the intimidation faced by the congregation.
Despite the gravity of the situation, authorities have yet to formally charge the attackers. Pastor Sahu reported the incident to local police, but was told an investigation would precede any action. Police presence has been a constant, with officers warning against the attendance of individuals from neighboring villages.
Pastor Sahu noted, “Police have been patrolling every Sunday since last year,” yet during the attack, officers merely advised the assailants to stop verbally, allowing them to leave unchallenged.
Efforts to file a complaint in person were met with further intimidation, as the mob awaited the Christians outside the police station. Additionally, it was revealed that the same group had targeted a nearby Christian home.
On the day of the Borsi attack, other churches in Dhamtari District also faced disruptions. At Elohim Church, extremists interrupted services with Hindu hymns, as stated by Pastor Alok Majumdar. Yet again, police intervened without making arrests.
Another church saw a first-time attendee assaulted, with Pastor Rekha Mahilanh noting the use of a spray on female congregants by the attackers. Despite the violence, no formal police complaint was filed.
Concerned Christian leaders, including Pastor Raju Verghese and Rev Diamond Phillius, approached the collector’s office to address the increasing incidents of violence. The collector, Avinash Mishra, agreed to review their concerns.
The broader context of these events is part of a rising trend of religious intolerance in India, a country now ranking 11th on the World Watch List for Christian persecution. Advocacy groups link this rise to the influence of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, which they claim has emboldened extremist groups.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
