Hindu extremists attack Christians during worship

Hindu extremists attack Christians during worship

DAVENGERE, India — About 100 Hindu extremists disrupted an Aug. 17 worship service, attacked Christians and destroyed church furniture and music instruments in Davengere, Karnataka.

The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that the extremists, headed by World Hindu Council leader Deepak Ranode and three others, barged into Jesus Prayer Hall armed with sticks and saffron-colored flags chanting anti-Christian slogans. The assailants threatened the believers and pressured them to give false statements accusing the pastor and others of “alluring” people to convert to Christianity.

When the Christians refused, the Hindu extremists began assaulting them and smashing church furniture and musical instruments. Two Christians identified only as Rodrappa, 50, and Ramesh, 25, were injured and received hospital treatment.

A GCIC representative said that the two parties met at the office of the district collector and reached a compromise, with the official ordering the extremists not to attack the Christians again.