In spite of being a secular democratic nation, India has witnessed several persecutions of minority communities in the past. A number of organizations that monitor the level of Christian persecution worldwide have consistently ranked India as among those nations where violation of freedom of religion is a significant concern.
Several states in India have passed anti–conversion laws, which ban anyone from changing religious beliefs through "force, fraud or allurement." These draconian laws are perceived as being targeted at Christians and hinder their socio–religious work.
Even government reports within India have documented the frequent harassment and persecutions of minority Christians by Hindu extremists, who have falsified complaints to have Christians arrested.
Sometimes the Hindu radicals have even destroyed the homes of Christian families. Violent attacks have often led to Christians being seriously injured or even dead.
Though Christian and human rights advocacy groups have claimed that over 500 incidents of attacks take place every year, yet, it is difficult to document the exact figure as in many cases, the local police either have participated in the attacks or have simply refused to take the reports of the attacks.
According to the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), more than 200 million Christians in at least 60 nations including India are routinely denied fundamental human rights solely because of their faith.
Stanley and his family are active members of Devasahayam Memorial C.S.I. (Church of South India) Church, Kalliyoor. The entire congregation and their vicar Rev.Christudas are shocked at his brutal murder and expressed their condolence.
Nation
Christian murdered in Kerala
By: Jacob Chaterjee
Wednesday, 14 February 2007, 14:07 (IST)
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