Another pastor attacked in Karnataka

(August 23, 2010) Some 20 people, suspected Hindu radicals, have attacked a pastor and two students of a Bible college in Karnataka on charges of conversion, says a Bangalore-based Christian organization. The suspected members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh attacked pastor Anoop and the students of International College of Cultural Studies at Mahalingapura of Bagalkot on August 19, said Sajan Geroge of the Global Council of Indian Christians. The attackers joined a group to watch a religious film on the importance of value system in society. The activists alleged that the pastor was trying to convert people, he said. Pastor Anoop was severely beaten and film equipment, including LCD projector and DVD player, were snatched by the fanatics, who later returned them back, said a statement from the All India Christian Council. The pastor was forcefully taken to the police station. Police detained him but was later released, it said. Anand Kumar, general secretary of All India Christian Council in Karnataka, said pastor Anoop’s wife, children and the two students “were traumatized.” He added that the fanatic attack on Christian minorities is the assault on Indian secularism and democracy. The law enforcement agencies of the state must ensure the safety of civil societies irrespective of religion, caste and race. Karnataka has been experiencing increased attacks on Christians ever since pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state in 2008, say Christian leaders.