Gokulpur, India — About 30 Hindu extremists belonging to the Dharma Sena, a religious army, attacked 250 Christians April 1 during final Palm Sunday prayers at St. Paul’s Church, Gokulpur, in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The church belongs to the Church of North India, according to the Global Council of Indian Christians. Seven Christians injured in the attack were hospitalized and released April 2. James Masih, presbyter-in-charge of the church, suffered internal injuries. Sources said the extremists also beat Masih’s 5-year-old son with bats.
Two Dharma Sena extremists received injuries, either from falling off their motorcycles or from the Christians defending themselves. Police have registered charges against the two hospitalized members of the Dharma Sena.
Unidentified Hindu extremists attacked a Palm Sunday Christian procession April 1 in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India, two Christians received serious head injuries and were admitted to a mission hospital.
A local source said the incident took place when the procession stopped at a shop. A few Hindu extremists asked if the participants were Christians. When one Christian refused to answer, the extremists beat two Christians and warned the group not to hold any more processions.
Share with others: