By James Varghese
Special to ASSIST News Service
KARNATAKA, INDIA (ANS) -- Attacks on Christians continue to increase in Karnataka State.
According to reports from the area, serial incidents were reported during Sunday worship services.
The Hindu radical groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal are apparently responsible.
According to a story on www.persecution.in, the following churches were attacked.
The story said that in Shiroor at Udupi District, Karnataka State at about 10.15 a.m., a small congregation of believers had assembled for Sunday worship with Pastor Abraham leading the service.
A group of more than 50 radicals reportedly belonging to VHP, burst into the church hall (the name of the church is unknown), and started praising the recent violent incidents in Orissa against Christians.
In the meantime, a few members from the group ran to the pastor and attacked his right hand and leg with a machete. According to the story, Abraham was admitted in a serious condition to the Angeli Hospital.
The radicals also reportedly threatened Abraham’s wife Binsi with death, and told her to expect the same kind of attacks that have been occurring in Orissa State.
The story stated that before the radicals left, they also torched all of the vehicles parked outside.
At Udupi, around 10.45 a.m., more than a dozen members of radical groups burst into New Life Fellowship and attacked four believers and a two-and-a-half year old boy. All of those assaulted are in hospital, and the child is believed to be in serious condition.
At around 10.30 a.m. in Mudur, Kundapura, Udupi District, about 20 Hindu radicals in a Jeep barged into the church and attacked the attendees. There were orphans children, and a handful of others. Apparently no one was injured, but a short while later the pastor’s residence was vandalized.
During a worship service in Kayarphaduka, in Belthangadi Taluk, Mangalore District, a group of masked Hindu radicals face came in two Jeeps, and attacked the pastor.
According to the story on www.persecution.in, using a long sword the alleged perpetrators left deep cuts all over the pastor’s body. They then went over to the pastor’s residence and destroyed many of his belongings. He is reportedly recovering in hospital.
The web site reported that another attack occurred at about 10.15 a.m. at the New Life Church at Modunpher, Mangalore District. A group of about 20 masked Hindu radicals entered the church, and attacked five of the believers there who are recovering in an area hospital. Some church property was also damaged. The injured are recovering in an local hospital.
The story reported that in Moodabidri, Hindu radicals attacked Pastor Gunasekaran’s house church. His wife and children ran, fearing for their lives. The radicals then destroyed all the furniture and household items.
The story said that the pastor’s daughter observed the car’s tag number, and as a result the incident was reported to the police. Authorities have so far been able to identify and arrest two people from the group of attackers.
There were no reports of any injuries during this incident.
The web site also reported that in Kuloor, the Blessing Assemblies of God church was attacked by a group of Hindu radicals.
The pastor, his wife and two believers were injured and are recovering in hospital. The story reported that there were seven or eight people injured in this attack.
In addition, the web site reported that an attendee’s gold chain was snatched during the incident, and musical instruments and some of the church’s furniture were damaged.
In Jayapura, the End Time Full Gospel Church was attacked at about 10.30 a.m. As the worship service was in progress, the story reported that about 30 people burst into the church. They were armed with wooden clubs, bicycle chains and long swords. They attacked the pastor and other church members.
The story reported that at least 11 people were injured and admitted to a local hospital.
In addition, church windows were broken, and furniture and other items were damaged.
In Kadur, a house church pastor was attacked after the worship service. However, the story said, no major injuries were reported. The alleged perpetrators also damaged church property.
Then in Kodical, a Church of South India (CSI) church was attacked, its windows broken and its PA and furniture destroyed.
In Hemenagatta, Hindu radicals attacked Miligrais Church. A statue of Mary was destroyed, as well as other statues. In addition, radicals broke windows and church furniture.
There was also a report of an attack at Yeshwantpur. Complete details are not yet available.