Source: www.persecution.org
Date: April 28, 2021
India (International Christian Concern) – According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a pastor, his wife, and a congregant in eastern India were attacked and severely beaten by radical Hindu nationalists. The attack took place on April 22 in Sitamarhi, located in Bihar state.
Pastor Ram Niwas and his wife, Pinky, were praying with a church member in their home when Pastor Niwas’ four brothers and another villager broke into the home with a hammer. According to CSW, the five men are all supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, a Hindu nationalist group.
The radicals attacked Pastor Niwas, Pinky, and the church member. The radicals beat the Christians with sticks according to CSW’s report.
After the attack, the three Christians were taken to Muzaffarpur hospital for medical treatment. Pastor Niwas’ shoulder was fractured, Pinky sustained a severe head injury, and the church member also suffered severe injuries.
According to CSW, Pastor Niwas has been targeted by radical Hindu nationalists for some time. The radicals have accused Pastor Niwas of converting Hindus to Christianity by fraudulent means.
Across India attacks on Christians and their places of worship continue to rise in both number and severity. In many cases, radical Hindu nationalists use false accusations of fraudulent religious conversions as a justification for violence. Recently, more states in India have expressed interest in passing anti-conversion laws, giving more legal cover to radicals seeking to persecute Christians.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray the healing for those who suffered injuries in this attack. Pray for the assailants to come to know Christ. Pray for the authorities to hold the attackers accountable.