Sari surprise attack
Women lead persecution assault on prayer group in Punjab state
Indian believers gathering for prayer and worship often risk being targeted by extremists. Read related story: No persecution relief for India's Christians in 2009
January 15, 2010
A group of angry women led a recent attack against Christians in the Indian state of Punjab.
The attack happened as Christians gathered for a day of fasting and prayer led by a Mission India Church Planter in the home of a new believer, Balaram.*
Nearly 20 fundamentalist Hindu women shouting anti-Christian slurs surrounded the group of 12 believers and threw rocks. Balaram was hit in the head and the female-led mob fled when he fell to the ground unconscious.
Balaram was rushed to the hospital and required 8 stitches in his head. Other believers also suffered minor injuries.
Earlier that day, four local women had approached the Church Planter and other believers and warned them to renounce their faith in Jesus and stop meeting for prayer, or they would face "dire consequences."
After the attack, our Church Planter and other believers went to the police to file a complaint. Instead, the police told the Christians to stop holding the prayer meeting.
It appears the village sarpanch, or elected leader, has been encouraging such attacks on Christians.
Though the police so far have refused to file charges against the attackers, the believers have not yet given up hope for justice.
They ask for your prayers that no more attacks will take place and that the authorities will enforce the freedom of religion that is guaranteed in India’s constitution.
*Name changed to protect the safety of believers
You can support India's persecuted Christians
To help guide you in praying for the nation of India, you can receive the India Intercessor, our free monthly prayer guide available by mail or email. To request the Intercessor, please call us toll-free at (877) 644-6342 or send an email to info@missionindia.org.
You can also give a gift to help India's Christians continue reaching their nation for Christ.
