Persecution against Christians in Rajasthan state, India is on the rise following the passing of a new anti-conversion law. Although the bill has not yet received governor assent, Hindu extremists appear to have been emboldened by its imminent implementation.
Since the legislation’s procession through the northwestern state’s assembly in September, attacks on believers have increased in number and intensity, with nine accounts of harassment and assault recorded before the end of that month alone, as reported by Release International.
Sources in India told the missionary organisation that incidents such as church closures, arrests of pastors and investigations into the affairs of Bible colleges and house churches have increased in recent weeks.
This development only adds to similar reports from elsewhere in the country, with the tightening of its infamous anti-conversion laws having also prompted increased persecution in other regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Jharkhand.
Release CEO Paul Robinson said: “Recent incidents in Rajasthan graphically illustrate a very disturbing trend in India. For a number of years now Christians, especially in rural areas, have suffered violent attacks for sharing the gospel. More recently it seems that state-based anti-conversion laws are fuelling Hindu nationalist and extremist groups to increasingly oppose Christians and Christian activity.”
