Fresh harassment faced by Christians in Himachal Pradesh, India, has been reported just weeks after the state government controversially passed an anti-conversion bill on 29 December, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). The bill is yet to be signed into law.

Pastor Behal, a retired army officer who runs an orphanage and care home in Kangra, faced demands by Hindu fundamentalist groups on 21 January to close his establishment and leave.

Police broke up the protest outside the compound, but the assailants have subsequently sought to fabricate allegations of abuse and bring charges against the pastor.

In a separate incident on 17 January, counsellors working for a Christian-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu were charged by police following contrived allegations by Hindu extremists.

The charges reportedly include wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement and outraging religious feelings. The counsellors were later released on bail.

CSW Advocacy Director, Tina Lambert, says: "Even though the Himachal Pradesh anti-conversion bill has not yet been signed into law, Hindu extremists appear freshly emboldened to harass the tiny Christian minority in that state. One of our main concerns about the anti-conversion laws in India is that they legitimise or even encourage antagonism towards minority religions.

"These allegations against Christians are not being made under the new bill but they show that a state which has seen little opposition to Christian activities may now be susceptible to the sort of opposition, violence and discrimination widespread in other states with anti-conversion legislation.

"These assaults are perhaps testing the waters and represent political opportunism at its worst. They trample upon the fundamental right to practise a religion freely. We call for anti-conversion legislation in India to be treated far more seriously by the international community."