Systematic attacks against Christians in Karnataka

(December 09, 2010) More attacks against Christians in Karnataka have been taking place. On the fifth of December groups of Hindu extremists made several attacks against Protestant Christians. The first took place against the Gipsy Prayer Hall in Bangalore in the Kengeri Upanagara slum. Here, the extremists attacked a church while during Sunday service, terrorizing and threatening about 50 participants. In the district of Shimoga the Hindu extremists beat up and dragged four Christians out of their churches, and then had them arrested by police on false charges of proselytism. Another incident targeted the Christians of the Pentecostal Church of Jyothinagar (Bangalore). A group of 40 extremists surrounded the building during services, throwing stones and shouting anti-Christian slogans. Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, said that these attacks on the same day in Karnataka is reflective of the insecurity of the vulnerable minority Christian community and more importantly this is an indication of the climate of fear, of persecution and harassment and terror in which Christians must practice their faith in this Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-governed state". “The Bajrang Dal activists continue to attack, beat and threaten the Christians. This is a real challenge to our secular democracy. The situation could become worse if the authorities do not intervene. “The allegations of proselytizing made by Hindu extremists against Christians are baseless and false, he added.