New radicals feared to be targeting Christians

A number of newly formed radical organizations have been identified by authorities in India, who fear they are targeting Christians for persecution.

The Voice of the Martyrs, in fact, has estimated that more than 70,000 Christians already have been left homeless in India by Hindu radicals.

Among the groups are the Abhinav Bharat (Pride of India), the Rashtriya Jagran Manch (National Revival Forum), the Sri Ram Sena (army of the god Rama), the Hindu Dharam Sena (Army for Hindu Religion) and the Sanatan Sanstha (Eternal Organization), and critics say they are breakaway groups from the Rashtriya Swayaamsevak Sangh (the RSS).

The breakaway organizations have identified major Hindu parties in India as being "too mild."

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One of the new groups, the Sanatan Sanstha, is based in the western province of Goa, where there is a significant Christian population. The group publishes the virulently anti-Christian Sanatan Prabhat.

The Sanatan Sanstha has already earned such a radical reputation that India's anti-terrorism bureau has said the group should be banned.

WND recently reported in one part of India, Hindu extremists have been offering money, food and alcohol to anyone who murders Christians and destroys their homes.

Faiz Rahman, chairman of Good News India, said the going price for Hindu militants to target Christian leaders is $250.

International Christian Concern’s Jonathan Racho says the Hindu parties already have a history of violence against Christians.

"Fifty thousand Christians were forced to flee their homes and about 120 Christians were killed in Orissa. Hindu radicals were behind this persecution,” he confirmed.

In follow-up reports, The Barnabas Project and Open Doors estimate that a majority of the refugees are still homeless and many are hiding in the province's forests.

There are those who discount the danger. Wilson International Center analyst Bhumitra Chakma says the persecution will not increase significantly.

"Hindus have always been concerned about the Christians, hence there were always some attacks on the Christians. But it is unlikely that there will be a significant increase in anti-Christian activity in India,” was Chakma's opinion.

Delhi’s Center for the Study of Peace and Conflict Executive Director Animesh Roul also believes the amount of violence will likely not increase.

However, while the splinter groups are not terrorist cells, they have been and will continue to be violent, Roul said.

"They are certainly armed vigilante groups and a byproduct of fear and insecurity in the face of growing Islamist threat and widespread conversion by Christian missions," Roul said.

That optimism wasn't shared by all.

A recent "Times of India" story quoted retired joint director of the Intelligence Bureau V.N. Deshmukh as saying, “Hardliners are now getting into more extreme activities.”

"I believe the reports that say Christian persecution will be on the increase, but the threat to Christians has always been real," Racho added.

"The radical Hindu groups will continue to perpetrate attacks against Christians and especially against pastors and church leaders. They accuse the pastors and missionaries of forcefully converting Hindus to Christianity," Racho said.

"Christian leaders have been imprisoned at different times. Pastors have been arrested. This will continue," Racho said.

 

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