Photo via churchtimes.co.uk

Mob of Hindu extremists vandalize Maharashtra church

According to the International Christian Concern, believers in the eastern Indian state of Maharashtra were the targets of a violent attack by Hindu extremists, reports MNN.

At around 10:40 a.m. on Sunday, a mob of Hindu extremists burst into a Sunday morning service at the Douglas Memorial Church.

"As I was preaching," says Rev. Mark Madhukar Sakharpekar, "a dozen young boys shouting 'Jai Shri Ram' entered and started beating church members with sticks. They even threw a knife towards me, which fortunately missed the mark."

Urbandictionary.com says "Jai Shri Ram" means "Victory to Lord Ram," referring to the Hindu deity, Rama. The site says this phrase is commonly used by ultra-right nationalist parties, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

ICC says the radicals were armed with knives, sticks and swords, and threatened Pastor Sakharpekar with "dire consequences" if worship services continued.

After attacking Christians involved in the worship service, the radicals went on a rampage. Extremists destroyed church furniture, Bibles, hymnals and the mission school bus parked outside the church.

So far, seven of the extremists have been arrested under the Indian Penal Code, and a police report has been filed by the pastor.

SALE! 40% OFF! How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

TAGS: India mob of Hindu extremists Maharashtra church persecution violent attack

[04/21/2009]

Print Version