Christians in India who previously experienced little or no opposition reported that Hindu extremists stoned, slashed and terrorised them over Christmas 2018.
At least 18 incidents against Christians were reported and verified during the Christmas season. Of those incidents, ten were reported from Uttar Pradesh state, three from Uttarakhand state, three from Tamil Nadu state and two from Maharashtra state.
In Maharashtra state, 20 masked men carrying sharp weapons attacked a Christmas gathering leaving seven Christians in intensive care, with three undergoing surgery. The attack was cut short by the quick thinking of the pastor’s 65-year-old mother. Having just ground red pepper, she took handfuls of the powder and threw it at the attackers, who then fled.
