Anti-Christian Violence Reported in 3 Indian States

http://www.christianpost.com/Intl/Persecution/2009/05/anti-christian-violence-reported-in-3-indian-states-07/index.html

[The Christian Post] 8 May 2009--Two incidents of assault and one incident of vandalism against Christians and their properties were reported from three Indian states on Wednesday.

According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India, about 30 extremists from a Hindu group attacked a Christian meeting, injuring 10 believers and a five-year-old girl in Mumbai.

The attackers, reportedly from the Swami Narendra Maharaj Sansthan, forcefully entered the prayer meeting at Damodar Hall in Nallasopara (East), and attacked the pastor, children and women. There were over 200 Christians attending the meeting organized by Vasai Taluka Christian Pastors Association.

"After closing the doors and windows of the hall on all sides, the hardline Hindus forced Christians to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' and started beating the believers when they refused to recite the Hindu devotional," reported an EFI correspondent.

"Pastor James Samuel received hospital treatment and had five stitches to his head while about 10 others including a five-year-old child were left with bruises."

The incident led to the arrest of five Hindu extremists who have been charged for rioting.