KOLKATA – Christian groups in several districts of West Bengal have suspended house prayer meetings and visits following a series of reported attacks on Christian gatherings, including an incident in Howrah where a mob allegedly entered a prayer meeting and assaulted worshippers.
The latest reports have emerged from Howrah, Purba Bardhaman, Purba Medinipur and North 24 Parganas, with Christian groups saying they have stopped some house-based activities as a precaution.
In Uluberia, Howrah, around 60 people had gathered for Sunday prayers at a rented house on August 23 when a mob allegedly entered the premises at around 3 pm. Pastor Mithun Hazra said the group assaulted worshippers and damaged furniture, fans, a sound system and other items. Police rescued the pastor and others and took them to hospital, according to Hazra. He later filed a complaint with the police.
Howrah Rural Superintendent of Police Amit Verma confirmed that an FIR had been registered and said the investigation was underway. No arrests had been reported in the case as of September 5.Christian groups have also reported incidents during house prayers in other parts of the state. According to the Bengal Christian Council, similar disturbances were reported in Jagatballavpur in Howrah and Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas on August 30.
Another dispute took place on August 14 during a burial at St Claret Church in Sahanagar, Purba Bardhaman. Father Samuel Hembrom said a group stopped the burial and demanded documents relating to the burial ground. The body was later taken to another cemetery in Bardhaman town. Purba Bardhaman Superintendent of Police Pushpa said the deceased woman was from outside the locality and that residents had questioned whether the land was a cemetery or privately owned. Authorities are examining the land records.
Christian groups have said the incidents have created concern among worshippers and prompted some churches and prayer groups to suspend house visits and meetings.
The groups involved in the protests have alleged that some prayer gatherings are connected to forced conversions.
Christian representatives have denied wrongdoing and said the gatherings were being held for worship. West Bengal authorities have said people have the right to practise their religion, while complaints of forced conversion can be dealt with under the law.
