Extremist mobs attack churches, beat members

MADHYA PRADESH, India — At least 125 Hindu extremists attacked one of the oldest and best known churches in Madhya Pradesh state, Masihi Mandir Church, Feb. 25, brutally beating one of the fleeing members.

The assault followed an attack in Kosmi, near Balaghat, Feb. 22, in which a mob of Hindu extremists dragged at least four people from a home where Christians were meeting and beat them with bamboo poles, rods and belts. In that attack, four or five Hindu extremists from the Bajrang Dal entered the home of Najak Ji, where the Jeevan Jyoti Church had organized a Lent meeting. Shouting "Stop conversions!" the extremists grabbed the collar of Tom George from Kerala, who was speaking, and dragged him out. Sunil Lal tried to protect George, and the extremists also grabbed him and severely beat both men. Lal and George sustained severe internal injuries, with Lal also suffering external wounds.