An act of violence against Christians every third day in 2006 in India

[John Dayal's Note: India, a Constitutional Secular Democratic Republic, continues to be not a very safe place for its tiny Christian minority. A mere 2.3 per cent of its 1.20 Billion population, and concentrated in Eight of its 30 States, the Christian community registered at least a crime against them every third day during 2006 - a total of 128 cases reported in the national or international media in the year. The figure may actually be much more. Much of the reporting was on the Internet websites of Christian groups, with the mainline, and specially the Hindi language national media, ignoring acts of violence against minority communities in general, and the Christians in particular. Several Hindi language newspapers in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, have in fact collaborated in the targeting of Christians through their highly bigoted and palpably manufactured reporting.

This list is of the more vicious crimes we report, leaving aside the repeated assaults on the road, the jibes, taunts and sexual harassment which takes place while the police looks away, or worse, looks on. Church workers, Nuns, Priests, Pastors and Evangelists, health workers and development NGOs often do not even report acts of violence unless there is grave injury. This list also does not include the hundreds of cases of official harassment of schools, colleges, hospitals, churches, mission stations and house churches in most states of the Union. [It was in 1996 when during my research, I discerned the pattern of violence against the Christian community by the aggressive bands of the Hindutva cadres which were, since the demolition of the historic Babri Mosque in the city of Ayodhya in 1992, making a bid for power in New Delhi. When the governments of the day failed to, or refused to, tell the world about such violence, under the guidance of the late and visionary Archbishop Alan De Lastic of Delhi, I published what we called the First Unofficial White Paper on Violence against Christians in India. Statistics have been issued periodically since then. {I am fortunate that we now have the network of the All India Christian Council to help monitor these cases, and to intervene whenever possible. Unfortunately, much of the violence is in inaccessible areas of Madhya Pradesh, which tops the scale, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa and so on, where it is almost impossible to persuade the police to take action before ht culprits vanish into the night. In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, particularly, the police have often enough accompanied the attackers and the refused to record formal complaints. [Many have helped with data. The main coordination has been done by the All India Christian Council, which under the presidency of Dr Joseph D'Souza has emerged as the leading Civil Society group from the church in areas of Dalit advocacy and Freedom of Faith issues. I am grateful to brave journalists Nirmala Carvalho, Vishal Arora, Anto Akkara and Mike Gonsalves who have written in Asianews, Compass Direct, Christianity

Today, Sarnews and many other emagazines and newspapers in India and abroad, my colleagues in the All India Christian Council Samson Christian, Albert Lael, Sampaul, Madhu Chandra, M D Jose, Rev Paricha, and Sr. Mary Scaria, Fr Babu Joseph of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Fr Dominic Emmanuel of Delhi, and Mr Vijayesh Lal of Open Doors. We have geat supporters in Civil Society, among them Neelima Sharma, Shamsul Islam, Teesta Setalvad, SP Shukla, IK Shukla, Ravi Nair, Tehmina Ram Arora, Ram Puniyani, Rita Manchanda. Many others remain un-named, but their contribution is acknowledged with gratitude.] [This remains an incomplete list. Sometimes it takes weeks before an incident comes to light. W will be happy to hear from readers, institutions and churches on issues of Human Rights, Civil Society and Freedom of faith.]

List of Violence Against Christians in India Note: All care has been taken to crosscheck the reported cases with credible newspaper reports and police files. We are unable to persuade state governments to collect information about cases of violence against the Christian community.

January 2006

1. 12th - Andhra Pradesh: Two radical Hindutva activists were arrested in connection with an attack on Pastor Aaron in Nizamabad. The pastor was distributing pamphlets to publicize a Christian congregation at Polytechnic Grounds. He was severely beaten before police arrived on the scene and saved him. Later authorities learned the attackers had been carrying petrol and planned to take him to an isolated place with an intention to set him on fire. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/two_ held_for_ attacking_ pastor_in_ andhra_pradesh. htm

2. 16th - Orissa: Local police allowed a makeshift Hindutva temple at Umarkote village but banned Christians from worshipping at a house church nearby. In late December, the two faith communities argued about their right to worship in the small village. Hindutva extremists later attacked four Christians. When police investigated, they refused to file an official complaint from the Christians because they had not registered their conversions. Rev. DB Hrudaya, a local AICC leader, said some believers avoid public declarations of conversion because of complicated procedures required by the state which result in harassment of new believers. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/police_ in_orissa_ village_ban_ church_allow_ Hindutva_ temple. htm

3. 16th - Orissa: A Christian was beaten up and humiliated at Matiapara market on 15 January 2006. Fearing further attack, the community did not report the matter to the local police. But the next morning, a mob armed with lathis and other weapons attacked the houses of the Christian community. They ransacked their houses and then set them on fire. The victims ran for their lives and took shelter at the Bari Police Station. Although police promised compensation and appropriate justice, little has happened since the attacks. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/christians _attacked_ in_orissa_ market. htm

4. 25-28th - Madhya Pradesh: In four days, three major attacks were made against the minority Christian community. One attack was carried out by police against two pastors. Two other attacks against small groups of Christians were conducted by RSS members. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/another_ Hindutvatva_ laboratory_ in_the_making_ in_madhya_ prades h. htm

5. 29th - Maharashtra: Thomas Dabre, the Catholic Bishop of Vasai, and four priests were attacked and a new hostel was damaged at Mokhada in Mumbai. The Bajrang Dal and Viswa Hindutva Parishad (VHP) warned the Mokhada police station three days prior to the inauguration of the hostel against allowing such a project in the vicinity. The police did nothing about the threats and took two hours to respond to calls during the attacks. Damage is estimated to be 200,000 rupees. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/christian_ council_condemns _police_lapse_ in_attack_ on_bishop. htm

February 2006

6. 5th - Madhya Pradesh: Activists of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) severely beat two Christian youth for distributing literature in Indore. They also ransacked a portion of a church in Kabeetkhedi area of the city where the youth fled for protection. The police have registered a case and are investigating the matter. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/rss_ workers_attack_ christian_ youths_in_ madhya_pradesh. htm

7. 26th - Maharashtra: The three priests attached to Social and Evangelical Association for Love (SEAL) were beaten and hospitalized by Bajrang Dal activists in Nere village near Panvel. Over the past two years, since they set up a charity organisation for the destitute and the downtrodden, KM Philip, Biju Samuel and Reggie Thomas have been harassed multiple times. The police haven't registered a formal complaint against the attackers. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/three_ christian_ priests_injured_ in_attack. htm

8. 28th - Andhra Pradesh: Unidentified attackers beat Pastor Jacob, 43, with iron rods near his house at Badangpet village. The pastor was conducting a birthday celebration for a member of his church. He was hospitalized with head injuries. His family was also beaten. The police arrested five people. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/pastor_ attacked_ in_hyderabad. htm and www. AICCindia. org/news/attack_ in_hyderabad_ pastors_conditio n_serious. htm

March 2006

9. 17th - Madhya Pradesh: A Youth With a Mission (YWAM) centre in Jabalpur was attacked by Bajrang Dal activists. The attackers beat male students of the centre and sexually harassed female students. The attackers broke furniture, damaged computer and TVs, shattered windows and burned Bibles. The police arrested five attackers but also filed a case against YWAMers, accusing them of unlawful conversions. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/ywam_ centre_attacked_ in_jabalpur. htm

10. 19th - Andhra Pradesh: A mob of Hindutva militants attacked and severely beat three pastors in Nellore. Christians were holding a Gospel rally in Pappula Bazaar when the mob of about 30 Hindutva fanatics attacked. The pastors have filed a case with police. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/three_ pastors_attacked _in_nellore_ andhra_pradesh. htm

11. 20th - Orissa: Hindutva militants burned a church at Nandapur in Koraput district. The pastor was gone at the time and has filed a police complaint with the help of the AICC. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/church_ set_on_fire_ in_orissa. htm

12. 20th - Jharkhand: Sangh Parivar activists attacked 15 believers and missionaries belonging to Friends Missionary Prayer Band in Singhbhuim district near Jamshedpur. They beat them and promised any new believers that they wouldn't have access to water. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/news/christians _attacked_ in_jharkhand. htm

April 2006

13. 1st - Gujarat: A leprosarium in Ahmedabad was closed without notification after 60 years of ministry. During a review by the Gujarat state government Health Commissioner, the state ended a 5 year memorandum of understanding. About six Catholic nuns must find a new home because of the closure of the Ave Maria Convent. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/0804061910/news/christian_concern_at_rss_parade_ with_gun_ in_jhansi. htm

14. 5th - Madhya Pradesh: Led by a disgruntled staff member, a group of Dharam Jagran Sena (DJS) activists barged into a Christian High School operated by the Methodist Church of India at Naudara Bridge. They accused the school staff of forced conversions. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Hindutva extremists attack two Christian schools in Madhya Pradesh 21-04-06. doc

15. 6th - Madhya Pradesh: DJS members stormed Christ Church Boys School at Thaiyavali Chowk saying that the school should be closed to mark Ram Navmi, a Hindutva festival. The attackers assaulted a teacher and threatened principal Ladly Matthew. The school resumed classes after the interruption and chose not to lodge a
complaint. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Hindutva extremists attack two Christian schools in Madhya Pradesh 21-04-06. doc

16. 7th - Madhya Pradesh: Police stormed a prayer meeting at the home of Nitin Bergman, a member of the local Assemblies of God church. Seven people were accused of forced conversions and arrested. When Rev. Kishan Singh, the AofG pastor, heard of the arrest around midnight, he went to the police station with two dozen church members. As they approached the police station, a crowd of about 80 people shouting anti-Christian slogans blocked their way and beat the Christians with belts as the police looked on. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Hindutva extremists attack two Christian schools in Madhya Pradesh 21-04-06. doc

17. 7th - Rajasthan: The Rajasthan Assembly passed an anti- conversion bill that gives sweeping powers to put behind bars, even before trial, any person accused of forcing or alluring a person to change his religion. Under the Act, causing an improper conversion is a non-bailable offence that could lead to imprisonment for at least two years. A mid-rank officer can arrest any person who has "converted or attempted to convert a person through force, allurement or fraudulent means. "For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Anti_ Conversion_ Bill_passed_ in_Rajasthan_ 7 _04_06. htm

18. 9th - Jharkhand: At a rally near Chhattisgarh, BJP president Rajnath Singh said, "We cannot allow the demographic profile of the country to be changed. We will not let Hindutvas be converted into a minority, as somebody has said they would be by 2060. " He asked the state's chief minister, who joined him on the stage, to enact anti- conversation legislation. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Rajnathtake sonmissionarieso nconversion. htm

19. 10th - Andhra Pradesh: BJP state party general secretary K. Lakshman claimed the government ignored BJP's complaints that missionaries were a church at Tirumala. A hilly region with a large temple was declared off limits to evangelism. Supposedly some Christians on a bus from Tirumala to Tirupati tried to distribute pamphlets and Bibles. The police were investigating the incident and promised to take action. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/BJPcondemns Christianpreachi ngatTirumala. htm or http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/tirumala- conversion. htm

20. 14th - Maharashtra: About 500 Christians from the Living Light Fellowship Church who had gathered for a prayer meeting in Khopte Village, Uran, were attacked by 50 members of the VHP. Five leaders were then forcibly dragged to a nearby temple and forced to worship there. When they resisted, they were allegedly mercilessly beaten and have been hospitalized. Police promised to investigate. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Christiansb eatenupatPrayerM eeting. htm

21. 14th - Madhya Pradesh: Two women were arrested in Jabalpur District when they were found distributing pamphlets telling people how they could overcome their problems by following the Bible. Mariamma Mathew and B Godwil were arrested even though police said they were yet to ascertain whether there was anything objectionable in the pamphlets. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Two_ Christian_ women_held_ for_conversion_ at tempt_in_Madhya_ Pradesh_17_ 04_06. htm

22. 16th - Karnataka: On Easter, Hindutva fanatics attacked two churches near Mangalore. About 30 attackers barged into Balmatta BCM Hall and vandalized the hall and the church's equipment. A group of masked men attacked the Prayer Hall of the B. C. I. Church and beat the pastor and his wife with wooden clubs as well as one woman and two children. The pastor was hospitalized with broken bones and head wounds. Six people were arrested and then released. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Churchattac kedinMangalorePa storinjured20- 04-06. htm

May 2006

23. 1st - Mizoram: A church building was destroyed and pastor's quarters burned down at Seikmaijing in Thoubal District. A fortune- teller, Mrs. Ch Memcha, was healed due to the prayers of Pastor Raghumani and became a believer. Her husband and son recruited other villagers and attacked the church facilities. A case was filed against the attackers. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Attack on Church in Manipur condemned 10-05-06. htm

24. 3rd - Andhra Pradesh: Hindutva fanatics attacked Pastor Daveedu after interrupting birthday celebrations of a believer in Nizamabad. Three Hindutva activists, allegedly belonging to the BJP, came to the house and dragged the pastor and other believers to the street and a waiting mob. Villagers and AICC representatives intervened twice. When the pastor filed a case with local police, he was told the Hindutvas radicals had already filed a case against him alleging that he shredded a Bhagavad-Gita. He filed a counter case and police are investigating. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Hindutva fanatics attack Pastor in Andhra Pradesh 03-05-06. htm

25. 3rd - Andhra Pradesh: A church was demolished near Hyderabad without warning or proper notification. The land management company claimed the structure was built on its property illegally. The church elders said anti-Christian people have been trying to destroy the church. Despite pleas by community leaders and church members, the 12 year old church was demolished. Police are investigating. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/church- demolish-ap- 03-05-06. htm

26. 4th - Punjab: Christians in Bathinda were finally allowed to resume their worship meetings which had been suspended since April 16. On Easter, a group of men belonging to RSS and Bajrang Dal came to Pastor Kulwanth Singh's home. Their threats forced all worship services to end. Appeals to local police for help were ignored and although the two attackers were arrested, they were released on bail later the same day. AICC representatives attempted to meet with the Superintendent of Police and finally secured permission for the fellowship to begin meeting again. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Hindutva extremists stop Christian worship gathering in Punjab 05-05-06. htm

27. 6th - Uttar Pradesh: Pastor Mehboob Masih was threatened by BJP activists with "the same fate as Australian missionary Graham Staines and two of his children", who were burned alive in Orissa a few years ago. The Assemblies of God pastor lives in Fateh Ganj, a suburb of Bareilly. The activists were apparently acting on behalf of a woman upset with the house church for using a government drainage channel that flowed past her door. She told the local newspaper the pastor had tried to convert her and the activists took up her cause. A senior officer of the Fateh Ganj police station then came to the pastor's house and warned him to stop meetings as well. A case was filed against the pastor for forced conversion. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/BJP activists issue death threat to Pastor in Uttar Pradesh -14-05-06. htm

28. 15th - Madhya Pradesh: Hindutva extremists vandalized an independent church in Gauri Nadi village near Jabalpur. About 50 members of Dharam Jagran Sena surrounded Anant Jeevan Marg Church after the Sunday worship and destroyed furniture and equipment. The attackers beat up Dinanath Tiwari (age 35), a new believer whose wife was recently healed of cancer after Christians prayed for her. Pastor Munnu Kujur was accused of forced conversions and jailed. He was freed after intervention by a Christian lawyer. According to one source, 15 such incidents have taken place since Jan. 1, 2006, in Jabalpur. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Church attacked and pastor arrested in Madhya Pradesh - 21-05-06. htm

29. 16th - New Delhi: Pressure by Christian groups forced the Indian Censor Board to put a disclaimer at the beginning of the Da Vinci Code movie that it is fiction. Also, government representatives viewed the movie along with Christian representatives before its release. Some Christian leaders, especially Catholics, had expressed worries that the inaccurate portrayal of Christianity could lead to anti-Christian feelings among people who would become disgusted with the Christian faith. In the past, people eager to inflame communal violence have used inaccurate "facts" about Christians to cause tensions. For more, see multiple stories at http://www.aiccindia.org/

June 2006

30. 1st - Punjab: Pastor Harbans Lal of Happy Life Prosperity Church from Pangila village in Kaputhala district was severely beaten. A group of 15 to 20 people abducted him. AICC representatives were informed and contacted local police who then rescued the pastor and took him to be admitted in a local hospital. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Pastor% 20beaten% 20up%20in%20Punjab- 02-06-6. htm

31. 5th - Madhya Pradesh: A member of the State Minority Commission held a press conference to highlight the case of two tribal women from Khargone who were allegedly raped by Hindutva activists on May 28 for converting to Christianity. There are many allegations of other persecution against Christians in the state and even the press conference was interrupted by radical Hindutvas making threats. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Living% 20in%20fear. htm

32. 8th - Karnataka: Hindutva extremists threatened believers and chased away two pastors from a prayer meeting at Thovaracare village in Tumkur district. About seven Bajarag Dal members came to the venue and threatened to kill the pastors. The meeting was canceled. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Hindutva% 20activists% 20chase%20away% 20pastors% 20from%20prayer% 20meet%20in% 20Karnataka% 20-12-06- 06. htm

33. 8th - Andhra Pradesh: A Church of South India pastor was killed. A young man reportedly approached Pastor Prem Kumar, age 67, and asked him to visit a village to conduct a prayer meeting. The pastor's son reported his father missing that evening and the body was soon discovered in Nizamabad. Mr. Kumar's family believes Hindutva fanatics were behind the attack and AICC is investigating. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Pastor% 20brutally% 20killed% 20in%20Andhra% 20Pradesh%2008- 06-06. htm

34. 9th - Karnataka: Hindutva militants demolished a church at Bethumangala in KGF. They also beat up the Pastor, Aaron, for refusing to vacate the premises. AICC representatives are trying to intervene. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/bangalorech urchattack- 14-06-06. htm

35. 15th - Maharashtra: Police beat four tribals after they filed a complaint following an attack by radical Hindutvas on June 8th. "Ask Jesus to call me on my mobile phone," a policeman told 20- year-old Kalpana Chaudhry when she and three other Christians asked about progress on a complaint they had filed at the Kasa Police Station, Thane Rural. The police asked them to demonstrate how they pray and when they knelt down, several police then kicked and abused them. Senior officers have promised an investigation of the incident after advocacy by Dr. Abraham Mathai, the state AICC representative. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/In% 20Thane%20010706. htm

36. 15th - Madhya Pradesh: Hindutva activists belonging to Darma Raksha Sena forcibly entered St. John Lutheran Church at Jabalpur to stop a training session for believers. The Christians were taken to the police station along with the attackers and were eventually released. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/jabalpur% 20attack% 20-16-06- 06. htm

37. 18th - Chhattisgarh: About 25 radical Hindutvas interrupted a church meeting in Kosa Nala of Bhilai and assaulted the pastor and his wife. The attackers allegedly belong to Dharam Sena and put a tire around Pastor D David Raj of Hossana Church while threatening to burn him alive. Police broke protocol and arrested both the pastor and wife on charges of conversion. Three attackers were arrested and charged. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Bid% 20to%20burn% 20pastor% 20in% 20Chhattisgarh. htm

38. 25th - Punjab: Several Christian families in Bothli village were beaten after their house church was attacked. Over a dozen Hindutva fanatics from Dharam Sena surrounded the house, shouting anti-Christian slogans and interrupted the meeting. The Christians had previously reported threats by the group but the police didn't act. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/chhattisgar hattack-27- 06-06. htm

39. 25th - Andhra Pradesh: Four nuns were arrested for visiting patients weekly and praying for them at Ruya Hospital in Tirupati. A BJP activist had led a protest demanding their arrest. The local bishop intervened and the police released the nuns after several hours. AICC sent a fact finding team and offered assistance. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Four% 20nuns%20held% 20for%20preachin g%20in%20Tirupat i%20-26-06- 06. htm and http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/AICC% 20terms% 20attack%20on% 20nuns%20in% 20Tirupati% 20inhuman% 2030-06-06. htm

July 2006

40. 2nd - Punjab: About 20 attackers interrupted a church service and beat up one member who was hospitalized. Pastor Bagh, leader of the Good Shepherd Community Church in Duggalwala village of the Tarn Taran district, filed a complaint with police. Due to previous threats, the High Court had directed police of Chandigarh to provide protection. The attack took place in the presence of police personnel. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/punjab% 20church% 20land%20- 04-07-06. htm

41. 4th - Andhra Pradesh: Two prisoners accused jailers of forcing them to convert in Kadapa Prison. Perhaps inspired by a recent spate of false accusations against Christian workers in hospitals, these are likely to be unfounded. Yet a bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the secretary of the Home Department to file a fact-finding report within 10 days on the allegations made by T. Sanjeeva Rayudu and A. Manohar. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/kadapa% 20directive% 20-05-07-06. htm

42. 14th - Uttar Pradesh: Om Prakash Pandey, a lay pastor and formerly an upper caste member, was taken to Kurebhar Police Station in Sultanpur district and beaten by Hindutva activists and police. A pastor and several Christians secured Mr. Pandey's release the next morning and tried to file a case of abuse. Police refused to register the case. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/up%20attack %20-19-07- 06. htm

43. 17th - Karnataka: Three Bible college students were arrested for visiting a hospital in Shivamoga and distributing Christian literature. About 20 people belonging to Hindutva Sena and BJP arrived and took them to the local police station and accused the students of entering the hospital without permission and forced conversion. The police immediately jailed the students. AICC representatives were working to release the students. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/shimoga% 20-19-07- 06. htm

44. 17th - Karnataka: Four students from the Gospel for Asia Bible College in Bijapur were visiting houses in Bagalkote and distributed copies of the Bible. Rama Sena members took them and their materials to the police station. The students were jailed for two days on accusations of forced conversions and were only freed with help from local pastors. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/bagalkote% 20-20-07- 06. htm

45. 18th - Rajasthan: A Catholic bishop has initiated dialogue with a pro-Hindutvatva party in Rajasthan, a state where several anti- Christian attacks have erupted in recent months. Bishop Oswald Lewis of Jaipur met Mahesh Sharma, president of the state's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The meeting took place after Christians tried unsuccessfully to meet Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje several times. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/Rajasthan% 20bishops% 20-21-07- 06. htm

46. 29th - Tamil Nadu: A media team of four girls belonging Good Shepherd Community Church was verbally abused and then taken to a police station. They had shown a film on Christ at Chinnamalpuram village in the Erode district. Known RSS members led the attack. For more, see http://www.aiccindia.org/newsite/ 0804061910/ news/erode% 20attack%20- 31-07-06. htm

August 2006

47. 4th - Karnataka: A Christian businessman living in Mudubidrai was falsely accused of murder and then attacked in jail by about 15 Hindutva fanatics. The attack left him badly injured. Jail officials refused to come to Mr. Rajan's aid. A respected man in the community, Rajan has helped to start a Dalit Education Center sponsored by AICC. Read more

48. 6th - Karnataka: Hindutva fanatics tried to recruit Dalit leaders to attack a church in Belur near Chikkamangalore. They told the Dalits that Christians were planning to replace a portrait of Dr. Ambedkar in the town center with a picture of Christ. AICC and other Christian leaders met with Dalits and the attack was prevented. Read more

49. 7th - New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India ruled that police can arrest those engaged in "proselytisation" . Previously, a government official - from the central government, state government or a district magistrate - was required to first lodge a complaint against people involved in witnessing. Christians are concerned that pro-Hindutva police could use this to squash ministries to non- Christians. Read more

50. 7th - Gujarat: In a strange and subtle discrimination, a state-administered test for homeopathic (Ayurvedic) medical officers asked questions with communal and political overtones. About 14 of the 100 questions - which normally cover math, history and geography - were inappropriate. The Times of India reported that one dealt with Chief Minister Modi's record while others required knowledge about a cow-slaughter ban or politicians' positions on conversion. Read more

51. 14th - Madhya Pradesh: Pastors Vinod Karsal and Sekhar Kashav of Assembly of God Church in Jabalpur were arrested on conversion charges. While praying at a church member's home, neighbors notified Bajrang Dal and Siva Sena activists. Over 100 gathered at the house until police arrived. The pastors were released on bail the next day. Read more

52. 20th - Karnataka: A Good Shepherd Community Church pastor in Hosur, Kolar district, was attacked by Hindutva fanatics. Interrupting a service held in a garage, RSS activists beat the pastor and another church member. The attackers warned them not to conduct more worship services. AICC is advising the pastor on how to proceed legally. Read more

53. 20th - Manipur: A local militia opened fire on attendees of Evangelical Baptist Church in Vengnuam, New Lamka. The son of a pastor, S. Thawngkhanlian (35), was killed. The incident left five others seriously injured. The state government ordered an inquiry into the incident. Read more

54. 20th - Madhya Pradesh: Pastor K. K. Jwala was attacked during a worship service in Sheopur. He and three others were beaten by 15 attackers. The criminals also stole offering money and women's purses. A BJP activist met the group at the police station and forced police to arrest the Christians under the anti-conversion law. That night police illegally detailed Jwala's wife and son for questioning. Jwala works with Team India. Everyone was released the next day on bail and AICC representatives continue to advise him on the legal process. Read more here and here

55. 22nd - Rajasthan: The police allegedly conducted a survey of Christian institutions in southern Rajasthan. Catholics said they were asked about their background and had pictures taken of their ministries. Local Christians are terrified in light of recent anti- Christian violence. They feel the data could be used to target them
at any time. Read more

56. 22nd - New Delhi: K. S. Sudarshan, leader of the RSS, said the CIA and the entire Bush administration "want to convert India to Christianity with the help of non-governmental organizations" . AICC spokespeople publicly rebuffed Sudarshan. They also worked with the Dalit Freedom Network to oppose a September visit by former RSS spokesman Ram Madhav to the US State Department in Washington, DC. Read more here and here

57. 22nd - Karnataka: A pastor with Blessing Youth Mission was attacked by about 50 members of the RSS in Mundagod near Dharwar. After the worship service, the pastor was accused of forced conversions and jailed for two days. AICC helped him get bail. Read more

58. 22nd - Karnataka: Mr. Raghunad, a regional YWAM coordinator in Mundagod in Dharwar district was forced to flee his home by extremist Hindutvas. Attackers chanted, "Wipe out all Christians and Christian workers from our area". Police refused protect him and sub- inspector Prem Kumar Nayak demanded he leave the town permanently. This followed an attack the previous day by the same activists on the home of Joseph, a YWAM worker in nearby Kadambi village. Joseph also was forced to move after 80 people invaded his house and destroyed furniture while verbally abusing him and his family. Read more

September 2006

59. 1st - Jharkhand: A tribal family was humiliated and driven out of Dubalia village for becoming Christians. Formerly animists, their land was taken by a socio-religious committee, the wife's head was shaved, and they were banned from the village according to Compass Direct. Read more

60. 3rd - Jammu & Kashmir: Two pastors were falsely accused of forcing conversions in Katuwa. Police arrived at a Bible college and arrested the pastors and five students. After being released on August 31, they were beaten in broad daylight by over 40 Bajrang Dal activists while leaving a prayer meeting in the presence of media. Read more

61. 3rd - Karnataka: Pastors Santhosh George and Madhu Mohan, part of the Marthoma Mission, were arrested for alleged forced conversions near Akkiallur town in Hangal taluk, Haveri district. About 150 RSS activists arrived with local media and police. They made the pastors kneel down beside children, took a picture and published in the local dailies as proof. The pastors were released on Sept. 5 and a court hearing was scheduled for Sept. 16. Read more

62. 6th - Andhra Pradesh: Countering ongoing rumors about forced conversions at one of Hindutvaism' s holiest temples, the chairman of the Tirumala-Tirupati facility said Christian missionaries weren't active on the grounds and Christians weren't working in temple kitchens. Read more

63. 6th - Jharkhand: About 24 tribal Christians were allegedly reconverted by a militant animist group near Ranchi. Catholic leaders were considering legal action since it appeared to be a forced conversion. Read more

64. 10th - Madhya Pradesh: Radical Hindutvas simultaneously attacked two Christian communities. In Barghat, a home was invaded by 40 activists and police. They arrested a pastor and his family who were engaged in their nightly prayers. In Balaghat, 50 Bajrang Dal activists and police forcibly entered Jeevan Jyothi Ashram, beat up all those praying, and arrested two people. All the Christians in both incidents are being held without bail. AICC was attempting to help release the accused. Read more

65. 10th - Uttar Pradesh: Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Morcha activists attacked the prestigious Loreto Convent in Lucknow. A local daily had reported the school held an "occult" session on September 6. Attackers burnt an effigy of the school principal, shouted slogans against the authorities, and verbally abused nuns. Police arrived and ended the incident. Read more

66. 11th - Jammu & Kashmir: Good Shepherd Mission School in Pulwama district was vandalized allegedly by a few Muslim teachers. The dispute apparently started when a Muslim teacher was fired for blackmailing an 11th standard student. Authorities are investigating. Read more

67. 13th - Punjab: Unknown persons destroyed historic and religious items including a Bible in the 200-year-old St. Paul's Church of Amritsar. Bishop Samantaroy expressed concern at the slowness of the police investigation on September 19 and said several jailed culprits weren't presented before the court. Read more

68. 14th - Orissa: A disgruntled church member recruited RSS men to demolish the house of Pastor Karnel Nayak of Good Shepherd Community Church in Manikeswari near Raikia. Then, the church member accused the pastor of rape. When the medical report was released, the allegation was proven false. 19 people have been arrested. The pastor remains in jail for his own protection, according to police. Read more here and here

69. 15th - Karnataka: Parents filed a police complaint against a private school which hosted a "Book of Hope" presentation in Bangalore. Agitated parents met the principle of Ryan International at Whitefield the day after the 'religious' function, in which foreigners were invited to speak about Christianity and Christ to the children. Read more

70. 15th - Madhya Pradesh: A mob of around 40 people attacked Pastors Kapsingh and Ray Singh alleging forced conversions. They had held an afternoon prayer service at Kapsingh's home in Jhabua district. Both the pastors were seriously injured and later arrested by police. Read more

71. 19th - Madhya Pradesh: Due to police mistakes in filing papers, a court could only reschedule a hearing to Oct. 9 for four abused Christians. Pastor Jwala and three other people of Sheopur were attacked by Hindutva fundamentalists on August 20. They were released on bail but are trying to clear their names. AICC is actively helping the group. Read more

72. 20th - Gujarat: Pastor A. Arul Daniel of Indian Missionary Society and his team were attacked at Divya village in Dahod district. After leaving a special prayer meeting in a believer's house, criminals beat the group with bamboo sticks, stole personal belonging, and then ran to police and filed a case against the men. Police arrested the pastor and team. Read more

73. 22nd - Madhya Pradesh: Two believers who had gone to pray at Khedligaon village in Betul were attacked by Hindutva activists. Police arrested the Christians and released them on bail after four days. AICC is actively involved in the case. Read more

74. 24th - Uttaranachal: In Kasipur, two missionaries from Full Gospel Pentecost were dragged out of a prayer gathering by Bajrang Dal members and beaten. No culprits have been arrested.

75. Read more

76. 27th - Jharkhand: A gang of unknown men attacked two churches in the diocese of Daltenganj and stole money earmarked for tribal education. The robbers injured clergymen and volunteers who tried to halt the heist. Fr. Gyan Prasad said these robberies were the latest in a series; in the last two months there were five robberies in the diocese. He believes it is connected to anti-Christian elements. Read more

77. 30th - Gujarat: Tension prevailed in Hindolia village of Bardoli with VHP members alleging that an Italian along with an NRI, Bipin Mehta, was holding a religious meeting to convert the villagers. Read more

October 2006

78. 1st - Andhra Pradesh: A church of Armor Mandal in Nizamabad was attacked by Hindutva fanatics during an all-night prayer meeting on Sept. 29th. The attackers said the church was disturbing the community. When the accused met AICC representatives at the police station, they asked the Christians not to file charges. Pastor Kavalla Shadrak agreed. Read more

79. 4th - Uttar Pradesh: Angad Singh alleged Hindutvas were forcibly converted by Christian missionaries. According to the Hindutvastan Times, he submitted a complaint, but not an FIR, at Baksha police station against the missionaries involved in the "forced" conversions of 350 people in Baksha area of Jaunpur. Read more

80. 2nd - Orissa: Ranjan, a Christian man, was beaten, had his head shaved, and was paraded in his village for refusing to take part in the re-conversion program organized by RSS activists. The activists later kept him confined inside a temple. Police are now searching for the culprits and have promised increased protection for
Christians in the area. Read more here and here

81. 10th - Maharashtra: Christian schools in Panvel Taluk of Raigad District were accused of 'psychological exploitation of Hindutva students' with an aim to convert. According to International Christian Concern, the campaign by Hindutva extremists started after one school gave a gift for a Hindutva festival to Hindutva Janajagruti Samiti. The Hindutvas were insulted by the small donation. Three Christians were attacked by radical Hindutvas in this district in Feb. 2006. Read more

82. 10th - Madhya Pradesh: An annual convention at the Pentecostal Church in Khamaria of Jabalpur district was disrupted by radical Hindutvas. Around 350 Christian attendees were threatened by about 80 Dharam Sena activists who entered the premises. Police stopped the activists who were carrying weapons and shouting abusive slogans. Read more

83. 14th - Karnataka: Eight evangelists were arrested for alleged conversion activities in Sagar near Shimoga, although the official police charge was for selling the kidneys of inmates. The arrested had been serving at a new orphanage for handicapped people. Read more

84. 16th - Gujarat: Police arrested those involved in an attack against Pastor Arul of Indian Missionary Society and his team. The Christians were beaten after a prayer meeting at Divya village in mid- September. Read more here and here

85. 19th - Mizoram: Satan-worshipping groups in the Christian- majority state of Mizoram are waging an anti-Christian campaign. Several people were arrested by police for burning copies of the Bible, vandalising churches and defiling cemeteries. Read more

86. 27th - Orissa: Pastor Karnel Nayak of Good Shepherd Community Church was finally released from jail. Earlier, he was proven innocent of rape charges but courts refused to grant bail. Apparently, the charges were an attempt to protect attackers who destroyed his home and church in mid-Sept. The 19 attackers were also released from jail. Read more here and here

87. 28th - Orissa: Copies of a book on Ambedkar were seized by Hindutvatva activists and given to local police. The book seller was arrested and AICC representatives are seeking to free him. He is from a bookshop in Cuttack and had sold the book at a conference in G Udayagiri. Read more

November 2006

88. 1st - Gujarat: The High Court of Gujarat warned local authorities who allegedly fabricated a case against a Christian pastor in Divya village of Dahod district. Arul Daniel and other Christian workers were attacked in late September and police refused to accept their FIR. Then police accused the Christians of shooting at policemen and arrested them. Read more

89. 6th - Karnataka: Hindutva extremists forced Christians in a remote village of Bevainahalli in Chitradurga district to bow before Hindutva deities and put a vermilion mark on their foreheads. Two Hindutva priests and a group of 25 RSS and Bajrang Dal activists forced Christians out of their homes, slapped them, and urged them to reconvert. AICC is appealing to the state government for action. Read more

90. 9th - Andhra Pradesh: Pastor Praharsi, an independent pastor, was forced to flee for his life. Earlier, he was beaten by a mob at Nachupally village in Birkur mandal of Nizamabad district while conducting a prayer meeting in a home. He and two other Christians notified police which provoked the attackers to return and threaten to burn down the pastor's home. The pastor fled from the village. AICC is attempting to help the pastor in the matter. Read more

91. 10th - Rajasthan: Police refused to respond to a pastor's report about a recent attack. Hindutva fanatics beat Pastor Prakash, of Good Shepherd Community Church, and his father at Berapuda village on October 29, 2006 and forbid any prayer gathering in the village. The pastor filed a case at Bhamol Police Station, but no arrests have been made. Read more

92. 12th - Jammu & Kashmir: A Good Shepherd Community Church pastor in Kathua was harassed by activists of Bajrang Dal. About 25 men carrying swords and knives interrupted the church service. When police took the pastor to the police station, they refused to file an FIR on his behalf. AICC is assisting the pastor. Read more

93. 13th - Gujarat: The High Court of Gujarat will hear a complaint by tribal Christians of Surat district against their village head. The village leader had ordered them to demolish their house church after an ongoing dispute. AICC representatives are involved in the legalities and say that police have harassed tribal Christians since late September. Read more

94. 13th - Gujarat: A state court sentenced a businessman to life imprisonment - in reality, a maximum of 14 years - and fined him 1,000 Rs. ($22) for killing his Catholic driver. On December 24, 2004, the driver, Robinson Joseph Swami, asked for an advance to celebrate Christmas. The boss was so angry that he poured petrol on Swami and lit a match. Swami died six weeks later and the accused still hadn't been arrested. AICC then took up the case. Read more

95. 14th - Assam: Nine tribal Christian families in four villages of Kokrajhar district were evicted by members of Bodo Religious Bathou (an indigenous tribal religion). Several people were arrested and the families have been welcomed back by most villagers. Read more

96. 15th - Karnataka: Subash Kalappa Chougle, a worker for Pioneer Ministries in Karnataka state was taken into police custody on false charges of rape. A co-worker said that Subash had stopped to pray for four girls who were used by a local Hindutva fanatic group to frame him. Subash is in prison and suffering from police beatings, said EFI reports. Read more

97. 15th - Andhra Pradesh: A group of Hindutva activists harassed foreign visitors at a hotel in Rajahmundry. They accused the visitors of converting Hindutvas to Christianity. They also sought details about their visa status and the purpose of their prolonged stay. Several Christian meetings were canceled as a result. Read more

98. 16th - Andhra Pradesh: Around 30 people vandalised St. Ann's School in Armor of Nizamabad district and threatened the nuns. Vehicles parked on the campus and furniture in the classrooms was damaged. Radical Hindutvas appeared upset that a student had been told he had to wear his uniform instead of black clothes after taking ayyappa diksha. No arrests have been made and AICC is monitoring the situation. Read more

99. 19th - Andhra Pradesh: The High Court in Chennai ruled that Christian Dalits are not entitled to the special benefits provided under the Constitution for Scheduled Castes. According to media reports, the court was ruling on a case of a Dalit born to Hindutva parents who had converted to Christianity and later re-converted to Hindutvaism. Read more

100. 17th - Andhra Pradesh: Two churches were burned by Hindutva fanatics in different parts of Andhra Pradesh. The wooden doors of a church in Dubbaka village of Nizamabad district were torched. Police are investigating. A month earlier, the Jesus Worship church was completely destroyed in Roadduvalasa village in Vijayanagaram district. One person has been arrested and charged. Read more

101. 20th - Andhra Pradesh: The distribution of Bibles and other Christian literature at a Government Junior College by members of a church-based group, including a visiting American, triggered an argument between the college principal and VHP and Hindutva Dharma Prachara Samiti leaders at Buttaigudem village in West Godavari district. Police are investigating since both sides filed FIRs and held protests. Read more

102. 23rd - Andhra Pradesh: Australian evangelist John Carter and his team called off a prayer meeting scheduled to be held at a stadium in Visakhapatnam. VHP activists had earlier asked police to stop the visiting Australians from conducting religious meetings since they were here on tourist visas, said The Hindutva newspaper. Read more here and here

103. 22nd - Jammu & Kashmir: Bashir Ahmed Tantray, a 50-year-old engineer, was killed by two unidentified militants in Mamoosa village, Barmullah district. Bashir became a Christian about a decade ago and worked with various Christian organizations. Since he was a prominent Christian activist and was accused in media reports of performing conversions, people believe he was killed because of his religion. Read more

104. 26th - Chhattisgarh: The state High Court stopped the government from taking over a welfare project entrusted to a church agency more than a decade ago. The Raigarh-Ambikapur Health Association, a Catholic endeavor, manages the Integrated Child Development Service. Letters from state authorities in October and November said the Government was taking over the project but didn't give any reason. Read more

105. 29th - Gujarat: The state's High Court ordered government authorities and Western Gujarat Electricity Co. Ltd. not to destroy a Catholic school. The school's administration was given a notice to leave in late October. Then the High Court intervened. The next hearing is December 11, 2006. The court came down heavily on the company for plotting to demolish Shri Sacchidananda Gurukul Vidhyalaya. AICC is helping litigate the case. Read more here and here

106. 29th - Bihar: A pastor's wife was raped in Elha village in Rohtas district. Hindutva extremists allegedly encouraged the attacker in order to disrupt the Christian activity in the village. Police are searching for the criminal, according to Compass Direct. Read more

107. 30th - Madhya Pradesh: Pastor Hatey Singh Gundiya and Pastor Gokul Gundiya were beaten by RSS activists while waiting at a bus stand. The men have filed an FIR against their attackers, said Compass Direct. Read more

December 2006

108. 1st - Andhra Pradesh: A church burned down in Pedda Demili village of Srikakulam district. Pastor B Vijay Kumar built the church on government land about six years ago. Recently he'd been threatened by Hindutva fanatics and arson is suspected. AICC is advising the pastor. Read more

109. 1st - Maharashtra: Hindutva radicals stopped a healing service at Kalidas Theatre in Mulund, Mumbai, and another scheduled for the 3rd. Activists of Hindutva Janajagruti Samiti accused the Christian missionaries of converting Hindutvas. Read more

110. 4th - Andhra Pradesh: A Christian media team member was slapped by a police officer at Malkapur village in Sangareddy while showing a film about Jesus. The team had permission from the village head but police forced them to stop the screening. The next morning, the team fled the village due to continuing threats. AICC has asked for police to discipline the concerned officer. Read more

111. 5th - Tamil Nadu: Hindutva radicals stopped a Christian worship service and closed a prayer hall at Vellamody village in Kanyakumari district. BJP leaders demanded that police remove the church from the village. Read more

112. 8th - Jharkhand: A Christian family chased out of their village had justice postponed amidst a new tragedy. A court hearing was delayed due to the death of the family's son. The boy drowned in a well. Recently, the family had all their possession stolen. AICC is assisting. Read more

113. 10th - Karnataka: A leading Hindutva swami stated, "Conversion and terrorism are two major threats to the country. " According to The Hindutva newspaper, Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji spoke at a gathering in Karnataka to celebrate one of the founders of the RSS. Read more

114. 14th - Karnataka: Hindutva extremists attacked three young women in Guruparahalli who converted to Christianity. They broke into the house of the sisters and beat them in an attempt to "reconvert" them. The victims attend the Assembly of God church, said Compass Direct.

115. 17th - Chhattisgarh: Members of Dharam Raksha Sena beat an independent pastor. The pastor, Philip Jagdalla, was attacked as he returned home after teaching Sunday School. The mob dragged him to a police station and accused him of forced conversions. Police filed an FIR against both sides and sent the pastor to the hospital for treatment, according to a statement released by the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum.

116. 19th - Karnataka: Residents of Revadihal village, near Bangalore, pelted stones at a group of Christian missionaries and accused them of converting Hindutvas. The Christians took shelter in a van and then fled the village, said Indo-Asian News Service and Compass Direct report.

117. 21st - Andhra Pradesh: A school held on the grounds of Christ Church of Ramkote, Hyderabad was vandalized, and the pastor and manager of the school was harassed by Ayappa devotees upset because a boy wasn't allowed to wear traditional devotee clothing during class. Read more

118. 21st - Chhattisgarh: Police arrested a Christian schoolteacher for giving copies of the New Testament to 10th graders. They reportedly acted on a complaint from the members of Dharam Sena who demonstrated at the school and condemned the "conversion" of students. Read more

119. 22nd - Orissa: Handbills distributed by VHP's Tihidi Branch called for a gathering on the afternoon of December 25th to protest the arrest of five people who allegedly tonsured and beat a young Christian man for his faith in Gopaldohora village. The scheduled speaker was a famous Swami known for making anti-Christian statements. Local AICC officials appealed to authorities to keep the peace between communities. Read more

120. 23rd - Orissa: Hindutva extremists burned down a thatched church at Boriguma in Koraput district. Read more

121. 23rd - Haryana: Police summoned several Christians, including the pastor of a Good Shepherd Community Church, and interrogated them in Agroha, Hisar district. They were released after the village head intervened, and permitted to hold Christmas services only after the Christian Association of India spoke with local authorities. Read more

122. 23rd - Manipur: Villagers of Waithou Trongloubi threatened local Christians in a written document. They declared Christians would not be allowed to celebrate Christmas in the village. Police intervened and arrested troublemakers, according to an AICC report by Madhu Chandra.

123. 24th - Chhattisgarh: Police arrested a pastor of the Church of God and other Christians in Dhamtari for caroling and distributing literature. Separately, members Bajrang Dal attacked about 20 Christians who had gathered in a church in Jalampur. They beat some of the Christians and destroyed hymn books and Bibles. Five
Christians were injured in the attack, one of them suffering loss of hearing due to a blow on his head. Read more here and here

124. 24th - Maharashtra: Hindutva extremists from Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad prevented tribal Christians in Tilonda village, Thane district, from holding a prayer service on Christmas Eve. Over 400 Christians had gathered for the event, but a large mob interrupted. Fearing violence, church officials cancelled the event. According to Dr. Abraham Mathai, AICC state leader, there were three other incidents of violence against tribal Christians in Thane district in the week before Christmas. Read more

125. 25th - Chhattisgarh: Many Christians didn't attend Christmas programs fearing harassment by right-wing Hindutva groups. On Christmas Eve, jeeps full of Dharma Sena members drove around Raipur, the state capital, announcing they would halt church services held on Christmas Day, said Compass Direct. The BJP government cancelled the Christmas holiday for students and even conducted semi-annual examinations before and after Christmas. One BJP politician led a "re- conversion" ceremony on Christmas Eve, said the Indian Catholic. Read
more here and here

126. 26th - Andhra Pradesh: A statue of Mother Mary and the Infant Jesus near Christ the King Church at Ramanthapur in Hyderabad was vandalized. No arrests have been made. Read more

127. 27th - Haryana: About 50 Bajrang Dal extremists attacked a Christian couple in their home at Lakarpur, Faridabad district. The attackers were upset at the couple for regularly allowing New Life Fellowship church to meet in their home for Sunday worship, reported AICC's Madhu Chandra. Police filed a complaint against the attackers.

128. 31st - Madhya Pradesh: Franklin Masih and eight friends were beaten by VHP's Dharma Sena activists while visiting a Christian family at Devera village near Waidhan. Attackers invaded the house and accused the visitors of forced conversions. Police filed an FIR against the attackers, said an AICC report by Madhu Chandra.