Delhi, one of three cities that make up the National Capital Territory, injuring several Christians, church sources said Friday, September 21.
"Five people stormed the stage at about 3 p.m. while we were leading in praise and worship," said one of the pastors, who requested anonymity, in an interview with news agency Compass Direct.
"They asked us to stop the meeting. And before we could understand what was happening, one of the attackers snatched the microphone from my hand and shouted, ‘Bharat mata ki jai or "Praise the mother India goddess"", the pastor was quoted as saying.
About 500 people attended the Indian Pentecostal Church’s "Festival of Healing" at Khushi Palace marriage hall in Dayal Pur, in Delhi’s northeast district, when the attack took place last Friday, October 14, Compass Direct reported. At the event, prayers were to be offered for healing of the sick.
"HINDU EXTREMISTS"
The "Hindu extremists" damaged the public address system and drum sets and picked up chairs and struck Christians, the pastor said. “The attackers hit Pastor K.Y. Babu, the main speaker, on his head – his white shirt turned red with blood,” the pastor reportedly said.
"They hit Pastor Justin on his forehead and near his eyes. His forehead and eyes swelled immediately." Four more pastors, identified as K. Varghese, George Wilson, Victor Masih and organizer Robin Masih also allegedly received injuries.
He said Hindu extremists also seized a cell phone, wristwatch, and digital camera from Pastor Babu. They reportedly also tried to snatch a cell phone from Robin Masih, but it fell and broke. One militant identified Chandra Bhan, a resident of neighboring Kamal Vihar in the Karaval Nagar area was later handed over to police, church officials said.
RUSHED TO HOSPITAL
The injured pastors were rushed to hospital where with Pastor Babu received 10 stitches in his head and others were given basic first aid, Compass Direct reported. No arrests were made yet and police officials so far reportedly refused to discuss the case.
Christian leaders and advocacy groups have expressed concern about what they see as increased violence against Christians in India. Pentecostal Christians have been forced to worship amid police security. A little over 130-thousand people are Christians out of the total population of 13.8 million in India’s Delhi region, according to estimates.
