SRINAGAR, India — A fact-finding mission to India’s Kashmir Valley found that Muslim leaders’ increasingly shrill opposition to conversions has instilled fear among the Christian minority, who was threatened as Christmas neared.
“Christian men, women and children are in a state of panic, fearful of their security, uncertain of the future, uncertain of their jobs,” said John Dayal, a member of the National Integration Council and part of the fact-finding team.
Chander Mani Khanna, pastor of All Saints Church in Srinagar, was arrested Nov. 19 on charges of hurting religious sentiments of Muslims after several youths were baptized; he was released on bail Dec. 1.
At the same time, a Shariah court has reportedly summoned Pastor Jim Borst, a Dutch Catholic missionary, to appear on charges of proselytizing and “forced conversions.” Muslim leaders in the Kashmir Valley, which is 97 percent Muslim, began to rally against Christians after a video recording of Muslim youth being baptized at the All Saints Church was posted on YouTube in late October.
Kashmir Grand Mufti Bashir-ud-din Ahmad told the fact-finding team that the Shariah court he heads will soon come out with its “judgment.”
The Shariah court has no legal authority for non-Muslims in India, but the mufti hinted that the “judgment” could include demands such as a halt to further baptisms and morning prayers in schools run by Christians.
He issued a warning, saying, “We will do what we have to do and others will have to do what they have to do.” The report said it was clear that the mufti was “contemplating a denunciation of the church, if not actually calling for mass action,” though he had asserted there would be no violence.
Share with others: