A Hindu leader in Chhattisgarh State, India, has been condemned by for allegedly calling for a violent pogrom against Christians within the state.
Adesh Soni reportedly said that Christian men, women and youngsters ought to be killed, humiliated and raped.
Soni then called for 50,000 Hindus to take motion in three Christian-majority villages on 1 March, in accordance with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
The stated reason for Christians being targeted is their eating of cows, considered a sacred animal by many Hindus.
Soni’s alleged threats were picked up by Arun Pannalal, President of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum (CGCF), which works to support persecuted Christians within the state.
Pannalal was accused by Soni of spreading false information. Pannalal denies this and a police investigation into his phone found no evidence that he was spreading false or malicious rumours.
Christian organisations within the region have called upon the federal government to be sure that Christian communities are protected against any potential motion by Hindu extremists.
Chhattisgarh has turn into an area of concern for Christians. In June last yr there was an incident during which a Hindu mob attacked Christian families and gave them 10 days to resign their faith in Christ. The following month a pastor was also attacked by a Hindu mob.
In India as an entire attacks against Christians have also risen significantly within the last ten years, going from just 127 in 2014, to 834 last yr.
Mervyn Thomas, Founder President of CSW, said of the situation: “CSW is deeply concerned by these blatant calls to attack religious minorities, on this instance Christians, in India’s Chhattisgarh State.
“We urge the relevant authorities investigate these claims thoroughly, and in the event that they are found to be true to be sure that Mr Soni and anyone who has supported him faces appropriate legal consequences.
“We also call on local law enforcement to take measures to be sure that the Christians who will likely be directly affected by what has been said are guaranteed protection.”
