Sari surprise attack
Women lead persecution assault on prayer group in Punjab state
Indian believers gathering for prayer and worship often risk being targeted by extremists. Read related story: No persecution relief for India's Christians in 2009
25 January 2010
A group of angry women led a recent attack against Christians in the Indian state of Punjab.
The attack happened as Christians gathered for a day of prayer and fasting led by a Mission India Church Planter in the home of a new believer, Balaram.*
Nearly 20 fundamentalist Hindu women shouting anti-Christian slogans surrounded the group of 12 believers and threw rocks. Balaram was hit in the head and the female-led mob fled when he fell to the ground unconscious.
Balaram was rushed to the hospital and required 8 stitches in his head. Other believers also suffered minor injuries.
Earlier that day, four local women had approached the Church Planter and other believers and warned them to renounce their faith in Jesus and stop meeting for prayer, or they would face "serious consequences."
After the attack our Church Planter and other believers went to the police to file a complaint. Instead, the police told the Christians to stop holding the prayer meeting.
It appears the village sarpanch, or elected leader had been encouraging such attacks on Christians.
Though the police have so far refused to file charges against the attackers, the believers have not yet given up hope for justice.
They ask for your prayers that no more attacks will take place and that the authorities will enforce the freedom of religion that is guaranteed in India’s constitution.
*Name changed to protect the safety of believers
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