News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

India-Main_article_image.jpg
India - copyright Stringer/REX
World News

Hundreds in India protest against persecution

It comes after an increase in attacks against Christians in the south Indian state of Telangala.

International Christian Concern (ICC) says the protest started after a group of more than 100 Hindu nationalists allegedly attacked a Christian gathering, beating Christians with iron rods and knives.

Three pastors required critical medical attention, according to ICC.

Days before the protest, the United States Commission on Religious Freedom ranked India in the second worst tier for Christian persecution in the world.

But the Indian government has rejected the Commission's report.

Solomon Raj, from the Twin Cities Christian Youth Fellowship in Telangala, was part of the protest.

He claims extremists affiliated with Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist BJP Party attacked a carol service last Christmas, kicking a pastor in the middle of a road and destroying his bible.

Speaking of the protest, he told Premier's News Hour: "Besides the Christians... the Muslim prominent leaders - even the Hindu peoples also attended, to show the solidarity to the Christians.

"[The] government is saying that India is a Hindu country, whereas Article 25 in the Indian Constitution says that... everybody has the right... [to] perform their religion. It is in the constitution, but the [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi government is not following this.

"It was a very big event on Saturday because most of the people, all the Christian churches and organisations, they came forward in one... under the one roof, and they have given a very big protest, and I think the government should react on this and they have to protect the Christian people, they have to give security to the Christian people.

"Many pastors and believers are attacked continuously around the nation."

Listen to Solomon Raj speaking to Premier's Des Busteed on the News Hour:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate