Radicals in India disrupt inauguration of Jesus-centered prayer hall

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

by Jordan Hilger, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) - Three Bharatiya Janata Party-affiliated people led an attack on a new prayer hall dedicated to Jesus in India's West Bengal state Saturday, as a mob of 800 people, mostly non-Christians, surrounded the building's inauguration ceremony.

Pastor Anup Jumar said that of the people who convened for the groundbreaking of Jishu'r Aradhona Griho, Hindi for "Jesus' Prayer Home," in East Midnapore village, "hardly 10 were Christians."

"They damaged everything that belonged to the church," Gosh said.

Four people, including 2 children, were injured as a mob of 20 Hindu activists proceeded to attack with homemade bombs and sticks, beating fleeing worshippers.

Hindu radicalism has increased in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose banner of Hindu nationalism has provided cover for radical groups that are now able to attack Christians and Muslims with virtual impunity.