Photo: Wikimedia / Parambikulam
Tiger Conservation Foundation (CC)
Two recent incidents in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (located within India's larger Kashmir region) demonstrate the growing challenges faced by those sharing the Gospel in northern India.
On October 23rd, several Christian missionaries travelling by bus were suddenly attacked after leaving a home in the village of Juthana. An opposing group, consisting of about 10 individuals, forced the vehicle to stop before assaulting the believers with sticks and other weapons. A video recording of the incident shows that, apart from one officer, police at the scene failed to intervene. News sources indicate that between 10 to 15 Christians were targeted in the attack.
The assailants claimed that the missionaries – who had travelled from southern India – were forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity. However, no evidence of forced conversions was ever presented. Following the incident, eight police officers were suspended for negligence, and charges had been filed against the alleged perpetrators.
Just three days later, authorities announced that a group of Christian missionaries was under investigation for allegedly promoting religious conversions within the area. Officers stated that a few residents of Juthana claimed that poor villagers were offered money and aid as incentives to embrace Christianity. At last report, no arrests have been made in relation to this case, and it remains unclear whether the accused believers are the same missionaries who were attacked on October 23rd.
Allegations of forced conversions continue to be a tactic that's commonly used in several areas of India to oppress religious minorities. Additional reports addressing this concern are available at VOMCanada.com/India.htm.
- Pray for God's healing and comfort to be manifested in the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters who were physically and emotionally wounded during the recently occurring bus attack.
- Ask the Lord to nurture the seeds of the Gospel that these missionaries had compassionately planted in the hearts of the Juthana villagers, praying that they will take root, grow and bear much lasting good fruit.
- May the Lord protect and strengthen all those who are faithfully sharing the Gospel in India, sustaining these ministry workers with needed courage, wisdom and grace – especially when serving in difficult and dangerous regions of the country.
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