Hindu extremists in India attacked two pastors and forced 40 Christians to reconvert to Hinduism as persecution of Christians increases sharply.
Members of Shalom Kalashya Church in Madhya Pradesh state were threatened Jan. 31 with dire consequences if they did not reconvert to Hinduism, according to a report by human rights group International Christian Concern.
ICC said persecution of Christians has escalated in eight states in India. Quoting United Christian Forum, which operates a toll-free number for reporting persecution, ICC says last year’s 486 incidents were the highest figure since the country gained independence in 1947. The number of incidents already recorded in 2022 means it could be even worse.
Pastors attacked
In a separate report, Morning Star News said a mob of Hindu extremists attacked two pastors in Haryana state on Jan. 28. Assailants attacked Pastor Sanjay Kumar and Pastor Inderjit for 90 minutes after the two were seen praying on the roof of a home. The homeowner was threatened also.
India is No. 10 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
