Jesuit Reports Growing Anxiety over Extremists in Karnataka

Jesuit Father Ronnie Prabhu, general secretary of the Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, said there are rumors that Hindu extremists are planning to repeat anti-Christian violence that broke out in Karnataka, India, almost three years ago after police began phoning a number of pastors on August 18 asking them to register their prayer houses with the nearest police station.

Fr. Prabhu said the police want the pastors to get permission from the district commissioner to hold gatherings and say how many people regularly attend services.

“The pastors were told to follow the instructions to the letter or they would be in danger,” Prabhu said.

Prabhu quoted police sources as saying that some Hindu groups plan to observe the anniversary of the 2008 attacks with a repeat performance.

The police are showing concern, but they appear to be “laying down impossible conditions so that they can’t be held responsible” if any attacks occur, according to Prabhu.

The violence that broke out in September 2008 saw a series of attacks on Christians and 24 church buildings. Hindu extremists had accused Christians of performing conversions in the state. [Cathnews India]