Christians in India Face Fierce Persecution

Authorities in Orissa have ceased the demolition of 108 Christian families' houses after intervention from the State's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The demolition of houses was ordered before the monsoon period.

Demolition was ordered seemingly as part of a beautification process in Jeypore; however, the Christian families involved are convinced that behind the decision is the Hindu nationalist paramilitary organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The RSS are behind the building of training camp against Christians in the city, as reported previously by various watchdog groups. These conflicts are not sporadic cases in India. In other states and territories Christian communities face great disrespect and persecution from extremist groups.

Around 200 Hindu extremists attacked a church on 6th June in Durg District, Chattisgarh territory while a Sunday service was being held, Compass Direct reported.

The youth wing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP or World Hindu Council), the Bajrang Dal marched in to the church fully armed, and according to eye witnesses, was accompanied by police.

The pastor and other church members were physically assaulted and nine of them were taken to the police station where they were charged of "disturbing the peace" using Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code, which states: "Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both."

However, the congregation was practicing its right ensured by the Indian Constitution, where Article 19 ensures the right to freedom of speech and expression, and Article 25 allows freedom of conscience and the free profession, practice and propagation of religion.

This right of religious minorities has not been respected though, as rural Christians are forced to renounce their faith.

The latest known case appeared in the village of Chattisgarh territory, where 13 Christian were asked to renounce their faith or face the consequences.

Seven of them, who refused, were jailed immediately and as their lawyer Ram Kishore Sahu said to Compass, these tactics are nothing new as the same happened two years ago. The Christians charged at that time are amazingly still awaiting a trial.

The seven Christian arrested at the beginning of the month remain in jail as the conditions for their release on bail were far too difficult to be met.