Christians attacked thrice in two weeks in Maharashtra

In a very shocking incident, an evangelical group in Maharashtra was attacked three times in 13 days for their Christian faith. They are apparently living in fear after the attack by the Hindu right–wing activists.

In the latest attack, last week, six members of the Abundant Life Church (ALC) were injured when about 20 Hindu extremists disrupted and attacked the Christians. The incident happened in Kuttal, a village in Maharashtra states' Thane district.

The attack caused severe injuries on 6 tribal Christians who were immediately admitted to a government hospital in Wada.

Pastor of the Church, Victor Pereira, said that about 250 tribal Christians were praying when the attackers barged in with sticks and attacked the Christians.

"They did not even spare the hapless women, who suffered injuries on their legs and hands," the 39–year–old pastor told UCA News on Nov. 12.

The pastor alleged that the attackers were members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council), and its affiliates.

Pereira apparently unshaken by the incidents claim, he was attacked twice, last month, October, when 30 baton–wielding people attacked and disrupted the meeting.

He says, even though has been threatened several times, it his "honor to suffer for Christ just as his disciples did." He vowed, "I will continue preaching Christ till my last breath."

Abraham Mathai, the vice chairperson of the state's commission for religious minorities and the general secretary of All India Christian Council said in October alone Thane district witnessed five attacks on other tribal Christians.

He alleged that it is evident there is clear pattern to intimidate the tribal Christians. Even police seem to be on the side of attackers said Mathai who met the Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil to call for a stop to the attacks.

Venkatesh Abdev, VHP general secretary in Maharashtra, said his group won’t tolerate conversion from Hinduism to Christianity under coercion and lure of money or jobs.

"We want to stop conversion activities completely" among the tribal people, he added.