Afghan Christians' situation remain grim

The situation of Afghan Christians in India continues to remain the same with more applications for refugee status being rejected and many facing immediate deportation back to Afghanistan.

"There is no improvement in our status. Many applications are being closed by the UNHCR, forcing our brothers and sisters to go underground," reported Obaid Christ, leader of the Afghan Christian community in Delhi.

"Those whose applications are closed are being forced to return to Afghanistan where they face danger from extremists. Many are hence hiding from the police," he informed.

Earlier, in May, about seven Afghan Christians and their families who fled to India after fleeing religious persecution were being denied refugee status and were ordered to leave the country.

Among the applicants was Aman, a husband and father of four, who received a letter authorizing his deportation from the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.

Aman and his wife converted to Christianity from Islam eleven years ago, after which Aman studied at Zaraphat Bible College in Rawalpindi, Pakistan before returning to Afghanistan to work with an aid organization in Kabul.

He fled the country to India after an Afghan television network broadcast footage of Afghans being baptized and participating in prayer services in May 2010. The broadcast led to protests throughout the country.

After Aman was denied assylum, the church began fervently praying for him so he could continue his stay in India.

Fortunately, Aman and his wife were recently called by the UNHCR office for an Appeal Interview.

Obaid urged Christians to continue prayers so their refugee status could be confirmed.

The Afghan Church in Delhi is meanwhile reaching out to those in refugee camps with the Gospel message.

"We have distributed more than a thousand Dari and Pashtu Gospel tracts. We are seeing very good response from the people. One family of eight members who received the track contacted us and are coming regularly to the Church. Please support and pray for the ministry," said Obaid.