Three pastors attacked in Nellore,
Andhra Pradesh
From our correspondent
An unruly
mob of Hindu activists attacked and severely beat up three pastors in Nellore town of Andhra Pradesh on 19 March 2006.
The
incident took place while Christians were taking out a Gospel rally in Pappula bazaar of Nellore.
Without any provocation, the mob of around 30 Hindu fanatics, led by one Santosh Kumar, attacked the pastors and their church
members. Even children were not spared by the attackers.
The
Pastors - N Nirmal Raj, T
Timothy and A Ruben who received grave injuries in the attack - have been admitted
in a local hospital. The United Pastors Association of Nellore
condemned the attacks and termed it as very unfortunate. After filing an FIR
with the Town Police, they demanded that all those behind the attack be brought
to book without any delay.
The
United Pastors Association of Nellore in partnership
with the All India Christian Council (aicc) took out a
peace rally in Nellore on 20 March 2006 protesting
against the attack. Thereafter the organisers submitted a memorandum to the district
authorities.
Pastors
Emmanuel Raja Ratnam and Raj
Mohan said it was for the first time the Christian community was attacked in Nellore. A high-level meeting of District Christian leaders
has been called by the aicc leadership on 27 March
2006 to address the increasing violence against the Christian community.