Since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came into power in 2014, radical Hinduism has increased steadily. There are anti-conversion laws to prevent people from leaving Hinduism in five states, and there have been efforts to impose such a law at a national level. Some of those who have left Hinduism to follow Jesus have been attacked and even killed by their own parents.

PERSECUTION IN INDIA

"I used to share my faith with my neighbours. They ridiculed me for it. The ladies in my neighbourhood often made fun of me, but one day they seemed very interested about my faith. They called me home to share about Jesus and served me juice, which I drank, not knowing that they planned to drug me. After the drink I lost consciousness. When I came back to my senses I realised I had been raped."

Roshni was just 13 when she experienced this horrific attack. Sadly, violence against Christians is increasing in India, and attacks like this have become more common.

Some of these attacks have come from Hindu extremists. They particularly target believers who have converted from Hinduism; these believers face daily harassment and have been beaten, hospitalised and even killed. However, it is not only Hindu extremism that is causing the persecution of Christians; there are radical Islamic, Sikh and Buddhist groups, and the Naxalites, a militant communist group, also target Christians.Christians are also facing increasing pressure on a national level. Five states have impletemented anti-conversion laws and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have made no secret of their desire to make these laws nation-wide. Such laws are often used as an excuse to disrupt church services and harass Christians.

With the Indian government refusing to speak out against the attrocities being carried out against Christians and other minorities, the situation is expected to get worse.

HOW WE HELP

Open Doors is supporting the church in India through:

• Distribution of Bibles, Children's Bibles, training manuals and Sunday school materials to persecuted Christians
• Holistic training for pastors, church workers, women, youth, children and family groups
• Livelihood and community development, adult literacy programmes, bridge schooling for children, vocational education, and urgent aid and relief for persecuted Christians
• Advocacy support, legal seminars, and providing Rapid Action Teams in the field to help the victims of persecution.