Christians in Andhra Pradesh targeted by Hindu extremists

07 June, 2013 - A Hindu extremist organization has imposed a reign of terror in India’s Andhra Pradesh state with the approval of the authorities. Some 50 members of the Rashtriya Swayanmsevak Sangh (RSS), armed with sticks and stones, on Wednesday attacked the Telugu Baptist Church in Mandal Hyderabad, Rangareddy District, AsiaNews reported. The extremists attacked at lunchtime when the community was holding it monthly meeting. According to witnesses, Hindus broke into their building and dragged six pastors into the streets accusing them of forced conversions to Christianity. They beat them, leaving them on the ground unconscious. The incident unfolded amid the complete indifference of the authorities. For months, the Protestant community has been the victim of attacks by radical groups. On Thursday, the Protestant community staged a sit-in protest outside the headquarters of the local government urging the authorities to arrest those responsible for the attack and uphold freedom of religion and worship. For Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, such events besmirch the reputation of the Republic of India, which has tried to project itself to the world as a secular state and a country of tolerance. "These intolerant extremists," George said, "have imposed their own reign of terror in Andhra Pradesh and threaten the existence of Christians." Wednesday's attack took place at lunchtime, during the community's monthly meeting. According to witnesses, Hindus broke into their building and dragged six pastors into the streets accusing them of forced conversions to Christianity. Outside, they beat them, leaving them on the ground unconscious. The incident unfolded amid the complete indifference of the authorities.