Washington, May 7 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party’s sweeping victory in West Bengal marks a decisive turning point in Indian politics, strengthens Prime Minister Narendra Modi nationally and internationally, and reflects the organisational depth built by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over decades, noted American scholar Walter K. Andersen said in an exclusive interview with IANS.Andersen, one of the world’s foremost scholars on the RSS and co-author of landmark books on the organisatio…
Latest Christians News & Updates
Islamabad, May 5 (IANS) Even though the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently urged the US government to redesignate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), the persecution of Christians continues to rise in Pakistan, demonstrating the urgent need for an international response, a report has highlighted. Extremist groups in Pakistan have been attacking not only places of worship but entire communities, Mission Network News stated.”They [extremists] will att…
Washington, April 30 (IANS) A Trump administration task force has released a report alleging widespread anti-Christian bias across the federal government during the presidency of Joe Biden, citing law enforcement actions, regulatory policies, and workplace practices. The report, coordinated by the Justice Department and based on findings from 17 agencies, says the Biden administration’s policies and actions “demonstrated anti-Christian bias” and burdened religious freedom.“No American sh…
Berlin, April 30 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation has highlighted the plight of the poorest section in Pakistan, including a disproportionate number of Christians, who are often trapped in debt bondage after taking cash advances from “dubious” moneylenders in times of need, without being informed of the terms and conditions.Germany-based International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) said that individuals with no literacy are unaware of the risks involved in the loan a…
Jerusalem, April 26 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is fighting for the rights of Christians throughout the Middle East through a video message released by the Prime Minister’s Office.Netanyahu made the statement from the Prime Minister’s office with a group of soldiers, he called them an exceptional group of young men and women and outstanding soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).He said that it is completely contrary to what is being presented…
Islamabad, April 26 (IANS) Blasphemy laws in Pakistan allow abuse, mob violence, and the targeting of individuals and religious minorities, including Christians, for criminal prosecutions that carry life sentences and death penalties, a report has stated. For instance, Pakistani professor Junaid Hafeez is imprisoned and sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy.According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Pakistani authorities arrested Hafeez, a lecturer …
Ayodhya, April 25 (IANS) Hindu seers on Saturday while supporting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s conviction that India will become ‘vishwaguru’ (world leader) in the near future, cautioned that the nation needs to be wary of brain drain. Moreover, former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari stressed that India is already a ‘vishwaguru’ and as long as brotherhood prevails among all religions in India, it will continue to remain so.Speaking at the foundation-stone laying cer…
Colombo, April 23 (IANS) The Christian community in Pakistan continues to face severe discrimination, untouchability and oppression due to persistent misuse of blasphemy laws, societal intolerance and recurrent mob violence while state response has been inadequate, with little accountability for perpetrators, a report has stated. As minorities, Christians face many challenges in Pakistan, from experiencing discrimination every day to the threat of deadly violence. On April 11, a 25-year-old Chri…
Islamabad, April 14 (IANS) Family of Christian youth, who was shot dead at a local market in his village in Pakistan’s Punjab province, has demanded a speedy and fair investigation into the incident. Daud Masih (16) was shot dead at a local market in his village, Bhikhi, on April 8, a report detailed. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ghulam Ullah has said that police have arrested Muhammad Junaid as the prime suspect in the killing of Daud Masih. Although victim’s family expressed a sense of relief…
Thiruvananthapuram, April 8 (IANS) With less than 24 hours for voting to commence in Kerala in its 140 Assembly constituencies, the sheer scale of the exercise underscores both its complexity and significance.A total of 883 candidates are in the fray, translating to an average of six to seven contestants per seat, though several constituencies have turned into crowded battlefields with rebels and Independents adding to the mix.The electorate stands at a formidable 2.7 crore voters, spread across…