By Matters India Reporter

Jaipur, Sept 13, 2020: A mob of religious fanatics has threatened a Christian pastor in in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, Persecution Relief reported September 13.

According to the inter-denominational organization dedicated to helping the Church in India, the mob on September 11 gathered outside a church building and shouted, “We will shoot you,” “Stop religious conversion” and “This is a Hindu Rashtra (nation).”

Pastor Sam, who lives above the church building with his family, told Persecution Relief that some 50 men stood outside their gate, creating a commotion. “I strongly felt that I shouldn’t go out as the situation seemed hostile,” he explained.

Persecution Relief says it cannot properly identify the person or the location for security reasons.

Pastor Sam also said after the chaos ended, he decided to visit the local police station to inform them about the incident. “So, I got ready and stepped out. The mob had left, but a few policemen who had accompanied them were still at my gate.”

The policemen told the pastor not to go anywhere as their head inspector was on his way to see him. “They told me that they had received a complaint against me, about religious conversions from someone who lives around 4 km away in another colony”

The inspector spoke to Sam about the complaint. “I asked him how this allegation could be true when the church building has been under lock and key ever since the nationwide lockdown was imposed, that’s almost 7 months!” the pastor narrated.

He also said they did not resume service in the church even after the government lifting the restrictions.

“I told my church that we will still wait as many people are still falling ill and we must be responsible individuals. I, myself, have hardly ventured outside as I am very careful,” said the Pastor of a church with around 60 members.

The inspector told the pastor not to come to the police station until they call him. “The inspector told me that the Superintendent of Police (SP) might want to talk to me, hence I may be summoned only then.”

The pastor explained that none of his Church members live in the area of alleged conversion.