It's been reported that Christians in the Indian state of Rajasthan have been subjected to a wave of attacks following attempts by the local assembly to introduce new anti-conversion legislation.
Last week, the Hindustan Bible Institute in Jaipur was surrounded by about 50 Hindu extremists who accused believers inside of forcibly converting people to Christianity. According to UK-based ministry Release International, the Christians strenuously denied the accusations but were left shaken. It’s reported that police detained two of them and confiscated the Institute’s laptops.
It is the latest in a number of incidents targeting Christians since the Rajasthan Assembly passed the anti-conversion legislation at the beginning of September. Three days before the incident at the Bible Institute, a pastor in the region was assaulted while leading worship at a private house.
Other incidents that have occurred since the legislation was introduced include reports of police harassment and a break-in at a children’s hostel, which involved the assault of two Christian staff members.
The violence has been condemned by the Jaipur Christian Fellowship and several interfaith organisations.
Rev Rajnish Jacob, chairman of the Assemblies of God, North India, told Morning Star News that the legislation had been devastating for the Christian community.
He said: "Since the bill’s passage in the assembly, over 40 Assemblies of God churches in Rajasthan were forced to close, and some pastors are now being pursued by police for arrest. What’s most troubling is that this enforcement is happening even before the governor has signed the legislation into law.”
India is ranked number 11 on Open Doors’ World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution.