The US-based human rights group International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that tribal villagers on the border of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh states have attacked a pastor and his father and threatened the Christians in the area of 'dire consequences' if they meet for Christian fellowship again.

According to the All India Christian Council, the attack took place at around 8pm on October 29 in the Berapuda area, under the Bhamol police station on the border of the two states, which are ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"During the Sunday evening worship service of the Good Shepherd Community Church, about 50 villagers of Berapuda came and attacked the 46-year-old father of Pastor Prakash Mall, who was standing outside the church," said a local Christian, who requested anonymity.

The worship service was disrupted by the attackers who also beat up the pastor and accused the church authorities and members of converting tribal villagers. They warned the church members that if they met for prayer again they would be attacked.

The local Christian said that the attackers were not from any Hindu organisation, but were seemingly misinformed about the activities of the church. "Both attackers and victims are from the Meena tribal people group," he said.

The Christians reported the incident to the Bhamol police station the same day by giving a written complaint against the villagers.

"The next morning, these villagers came to the Christians requesting them to withdraw the complaint and promised that they would not disturb them again in the future. As a result, the Christians did not press for police action against them, as they are also from the same village," he added.

Several Hindu fundamentalist groups are reportedly active in the neighbouring states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. These groups allegedly spread hate against the Christian community on a regular basis, alleging that Christians convert people of other faiths, mainly Hindus, by force and by offering money. Sections of the local population have subsequently resisted and opposed Christian work on occasions.

The BJP-ruled government in Rajasthan passed an anti-conversion bill on 7 April alleging that it had received reports about certain religious groups indulging in conversion activities with the use of force and allurement.

Christians deny the allegation of conversion by fraudulent means and are opposing the anti-conversion bill.

The bill, however, has not been implemented, as it is yet to receive the assent of the state governor, who has raised concerns over the possibility of the law violating the people's religious rights if it is implemented.

Although the total population of Rajasthan state is more than 56.6 million, the number of Christians is merely 72,660.

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