Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2010)-International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on Dec. 18, 2009, Muslim fanatics in Nutangram, West Bengal attacked Christian converts from Islam and threatened to burn them alive if they don't return to Islam.
The fanatics verbally abused the church members of Khoda-E- Jamat Ibadat Khana (Worship Centre for the Muslim Background Believers) and also threatened to burn their homes. The Islamists also called for a social boycott against the believers and forced all area shopkeepers not to sell anything to Christians and to not provide water to them.
They also urged the Muslim relatives of the Christians not to allow any Christians to use their toilets.
On Dec. 19, the Christians lodged a complaint at Nurshidabad police station. On visiting the site, the police confirmed that the report was true. Speaking to ICC, an ICC source said, "The recent incident left the 100 church members shaken." The source also said that calm has now returned to the area after police talked to the attackers and warned them not to disturb the Christians again.
ICC's Regional Manager for Africa and South Asia, Jonathan Racho said "We condemn the attacks and the threats against Christian converts in Nutangram. We call upon officials of India to protect the Christian converts from further attacks and bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice."
Please pray for the Christian converts. Also please call Indian embassy in your countries and politely ask Indian officials to protect the Christians and bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.
Indian Embassies:
USA:(202) 939-7000 [Phone] (202) 265-4351 [Fax]
Canada:(613) 744-3751 [Phone]
UK: 020 7836 8484 [Phone] att.pni@hcilondon.in
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