Christian ministry attacked in Rajasthan

A group of Christians who are engaged in a campaign against forced prostitution, were threatened and attacked by some Hindu fundamentalists who, reportedly, are colluding with the police.

According to Pastor Paul Ciniraj, director, Salem Voice Ministries (SVM), some of his staff members are trying to educate and train the young women "for a Good News based new and holy life" have received threats and at times have been assaulted by hardliner Hindu groups which, in collusion with the local police, are attempting to discourage their efforts.

"Hundreds of Dalit girls in the city of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a large number of them minors, work as prostitutes with the support of their families," ANS quoted Pastor Ciniraj as saying. "The same practice also occurs in a number of other Indian cities."

As soon as girls attain puberty, they are forced into prostitution, having to face the "brutal behaviour" of the customers and often contracting sexually transmitted diseases, the pastor said.

The families do not care about the girl's wellbeing as "they earn good money" for them, he added.

SVM has reported that the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Meira Kumar recently described Rajasthan as the "worst state" in the country for Dalit atrocities.

"Rajasthan, which is rich in culture and heritage, (is) extremely backward in social justice," SVM quoted her as saying.

"Rajasthan is one of those states where minorities are being persecuted by fundamentalist groups at an alarming rate," Pastor Ciniraj said, urging believers to pray for the ministry.