Prayer session disrupted in Ambala village over alleged conversions
A Sunday prayer session organised by the Christian community at Barnala village under the jurisdiction of Panjokhra police station was disrupted by members of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, who accused the organisers of luring people to convert to Christianity. The incident follows a similar disruption of a Christmas event in Rohtak earlier this week.
Pastor threatens demonstrations
This is the first time we have faced such an incident. Several people were injured and property was damaged. We demand strict action against those involved. If no action is taken, we will hold demonstrations on roads. — Pastor Vikram
According to reports, pastor Vikram had been conducting Sunday prayers at a rented hall in the village for the past four years. On Sunday, nearly 100 people were attending the prayer when members of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal arrived, raising slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” and accusing the pastor and others of encouraging religious conversions.
A verbal spat between the two groups escalated into a physical altercation. Pastor Vikram alleged that the activists attacked women and children, damaged property, and pelted bricks at the hall's shutter. “This is the first time we have faced such an incident. Several people were injured and property was damaged. We demand strict action against those involved. If no action is taken, we will hold demonstrations on roads,” he said.
Devi Lal, district president of Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, countered the claims, alleging that the group had received complaints about conversion activities in the area. “We went there to ask the pastor to stop luring people for conversions. They started misbehaving and one of our members was hit on the head, which led to the brawl. We have filed a complaint demanding action against them,” he said.
Panjokhra police station SHO Vikrant confirmed that complaints had been filed by both groups. “A prayer session was being held when Rashtriya Bajrang Dal activists arrived, leading to a brawl. Complaints from both sides have been received and further investigation is underway,” he said.
A case has been registered against the activists under charges including voluntarily causing hurt, unlawful assembly, rioting, hurting religious sentiments and criminal intimidation.
Ambala Superintendent of Police Surinder Singh Bhoria assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation. “A case has been registered for disrupting the Sunday prayer. The matter is under investigation,” he stated.
