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Hindu
extremists allegedly from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad
(World Hindu Council) and Bajrang Dal (Youth Wing of the
VHP) put up three anti- Christian hoardings in Bastar,
Chhattisgarh, sternly warning the Christians not to
preach in the area.
The signboards put up in three different places said,
"Preaching about Jesus Christ is strictly prohibited in
the area, and a penalty of rupees 1130 will be imposed
on those found guilty." The hoardings also have pictures
of Hindu deities along with names of the extremists
group.
It goes without saying that these hoardings stand
against the Constitution of India where religious
freedom to profess, practice and propagate has been
granted equally to all the citizens of India.
Successive persecution faced by Christians in India
today endangers its democratic foundations. Elections
alone do not make a democracy. Freedom of speech and
expression, freedom of conscience and respect for people
who hold variant views are foundational to any
democracy.
Sunday worship disrupted, Christians attacked in
Madhya Pradesh
EFI News, July 03, 2009: On May 14, Hindu
extremists allegedly from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS) and Bajrang Dal chanting "Jai Shri Ram"
(Hail Ram) barged into the worship service of Beersheba
church and attacked the believers in Madhya Pradesh's
Ratlam district.
According to an EFI correspondent, Akhilesh Edgar, at
about 11:00 a.m., about 52 extremists stormed the church
and started beating up Christians including children.
They beat, kicked and punched the believers, verbally
threatened and warned them of dire consequences if they
continue to worship.
Pastor Kuldeep Singh Daniel and his wife sustained minor
injuries. The pastor lodged a complaint at Alkapuri
police station. No arrests had been made at the time of
reporting this.
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