Christians in
eastern India were beaten and abused and instead of receiving justice were given
an order to stop worshipping.
Hindu women raided Pastor Samuel Karjee’s church in Odisha, dragged
outside the 12 Christians present and handed them over to a 300-strong mob. The
crowd beat them with sticks, kicked and insulted them. Police resolved the issue
by closing down the church.
Please pray for justice for our brothers and sisters in Abasing
village.
A 24-year-old Christian, Rajata, suffered serious internal injuries and
is still receiving hospital treatment. The casualties included 13-year-old
Madhusmita who was punched in the stomach. The Christians’ Bibles and
devotionals were snatched.
Police did arrest 25 Hindus – and five injured Christians. They were all
set free after police and Hindus reached an ‘agreement’ which amounts to a ban
on church services. Four Christian detainees were bullied into signing it,
despite having had no say in its wording.
Under the ‘agreement’, Christians are allowed to worship only on their
own at home. Christian ‘events’ can be held only with advance permission from
the police. Any further disturbances will be dealt with by local police, not the
courts.
There have been no worship services in Abasing since the June 18 attack,
says Pastor Samuel. ‘I can’t tell you how dry and barren we feel,’ he says. ‘Our
hearts yearn to pray and worship together.’ Release
Int.
