Christians attacked, forced into ‘agreement’

Christians attacked, forced into ‘agreement’

ABASING, India — After an attack in eastern India in which a Christian was seriously injured, police and Hindus created an “agreement” — without the participation of church members — effectively halting worship services, sources said.

Church members were bullied into signing the agreement, according to Morning Star News. As a result, in the tribal village of Abasing in Gajapati District, Odisha state, Sunday worship services have ceased following the June 18 attack on a worship service by a mob of Hindu women, a church leader said.

About 30 Hindu women entered the house where the congregation had been worshipping for six months, broke into front and back entrances and dragged the 12 Christians present out, he said.

Four Christians who were injured were temporarily detained and forced to sign the document.

Seven Hindus also signed the document, which states Christians cannot celebrate any event without prior permission from the police station, can only worship in their own homes and cannot gather for familial celebrations like birthdays without first submitting an application to the police.

The document also states that if Hindus intend to celebrate any event and are concerned for their safety, they can complain to police of “the threat from Christians.” (MS)