New Delhi: Violence against Christians are increasing in the National Capital Region of India, especially in the immediate neighboring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

During the holy week some miscreants claiming to be custodians of the majority community desecrated the Church services and beat up the people praying inside the Church, including women and children.

On March 29 a group of religious fanatics attacked and physically assaulted Pastor Jose Prakash of Uttar Pradesh, Mission Coordinator, while he was conducting monthly praying meeting at a Church in Hariharpur, Fatehpur District, Uttar Pradesh. Two other Pastors Dinesh and Prem, who were assisting Pastor Jose also severely injured. All of them are admitted in the mission hospital.

On March 26 in Isanagar block, Lakhimpur District of Uattar Pradesh another group of religious fanatics barged into an ongoing prayer meeting and threatened the Pastor Thomas and Pastor Yesudasan. Later they forced police to take Christians into custody on the false allegations of conversion.

Two Evangelist, Anmol Bhushan and Anish Pappu, were beaten up for sharing Good News in Charki Dadri bus stand area, Faridabad and were taken into custody by police.

The Legal Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, Mrs Tehmina Arora appealed: “As fellow faithful we need to see how best we respond to this violence. This is a difficult time for the church in India. It is also a good time to reflect on the role of the disciples when Jesus needed them most. We must pray fervently and stand with the body of Christ.”