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Christians Attacked in India: Pastor Threatened With Death

A crowd numbering around 150 led by a BJP MLA's son attacked a pastor and Church at Qutabgarh in East West Delhi yesterday. AICC Fact Finding team is rushing to spot today to stock the situation.

According to sources, the All India Christian Council late night yesterday says that Shri Biju son of Shri Chanram, a Bharatiya Janta Party MLA led a crowd, believed to be the members of Hindutva fanatics, attacked Pastor Isaac Jaal while he was coming home after conducting Sunday prayer service in the church. Shri Biju and the crowd came with lethal sticks, trisuls (triangle spears) and beat Pastor Isaac mercilessly. On top of that his life was threatened if he were to continue to conduct prayer meetings in the church. He suffers internal injuries and police that arrived later did not take him to the hospital for medical nor examination.

Rev. Dr. Abraham Sahu, Delhi NCR Chapter President of All India Christian Council reported the matter to local police officials and appealed for them to ensure the safety and protection of the pastor and church members. Pastor Isaac reported to Delhi Office of All India Christian Council this morning and found out that although the written complaint has been given to local police, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and no action whatsoever has been taken by them.

The All India Christian Council team of Delhi and NCR are on their way to a fact-finding mission this morning. The Team will first meet Pastor Isaac and thereafter the police authorities to appeal for the registration of the complaint and to take action against the perpetuators.

The fear is being spread among Christian minorities across the nation by the organised attacks by the Hindutva fundamentalists. The law enforcement authorities must ensure the freedom of rights, and equality and protection must be provided to all communities, particularly the Christian minorities who have been currently targeted by the fanatic groups.

The All India Christian Council (www.christiancouncil.in), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The AICC is a coalition of thousands of Christian Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.