The following report was submitted by WRF member Sukrit Roy who may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: Persecution in India May 06, 2009 -- Christian workers attacked in Mumbai

About 30 Hindu extremists from the Swami Narendra Maharaj on 5 May attacked a Christian revival meeting, injuring 10 believers including a five-year-old girl in Mumbai, Maharastra. At around 1:00 p.m., a mob of Hindu extremists forcefully entered into a meeting organised by "Vasai Taluka Christian Pastors Association" attended by 200 Christians. After closing the doors and windows of the hall on all sides, the hardline Hindus urged the Christians to chant "Jai Shri Ram" (Praise Lord Ram) and started beating the believers when they refused to recite the Hindu devotional, reported EFI correspondent. Pastor James Samuel received hospital treatment and had five stitches to his head while about 10 others including a five-year-old child were left with bruises. Five extremists were arrested and charged under Section 147, 148, 326, 323, 427 of the Indian Penal Code for rioting, unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, mischief causing damaged to the amount of fifty rupees or upwards and Section 7 of Criminal Law Amendment Act respectively. Please pray for strength and boldness for all the suffering Christians and for peace in Mumbai.

Prayer meeting disrupted in Chhattisgarh Hindu extremists allegedly from the Bajrang Dal (Youth wing of World Hindu Council) on May 3 attacked an afternoon prayer meeting, burned Bibles and Christian literatures in Bara Koni Area, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. According to an EFI correspondent, Rev. Akhilesh Edgar, about 12-15 extremists barged into the prayer meeting hosted by a believer identified as Neeshi Nath and disrupted the meeting. The extremists burned Bibles, gospel tracts, broke up crockery and other household goods. The extremists verbally abused the Christians and their faith, further threatening them with serious consequences if they continue with Christian worship meetings and activities in the area. The Christians filed a police complaint and First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in Koni police station. No arrests had been made at press time. Please pray for justice and for the Christians in Chhattisgarh.