ASIA/INDIA - Christian Schools targeted by radical Muslims in Kashmir

Srinagar (Agenzia Fides) - Christian schools are being targeted by Islamic extremists in Kashmir, accused of "proselytism". After the expulsion order against two Protestant and one Catholic missionaries (Pastors C.M. Khanna and Gayoor Masih and the Catholic, Father Jim Borst), issued by an Islamic court of Kashmir, Christian educational institutions are a particular target of violence: this is the alarm that Fides learns by the Christians in Kashmir.
As explained to Fides, the NGO "Catholic Secular Forum", an authentic campaign against Christian schools, which exist in the Indian state of Muslim-majority for over a century has been launched. The school leaders are accused of attracting and converting to Christianity Muslim students. According to the false propaganda of extremist groups, Christian schools are accused of having converted in the last 20 years, over 20 thousand faithful, from Islam to Christianity.
Christian schools have a total of over 7,000 students, 99% are Muslims. Among the incidents of intimidation, on the afternoon of Saturday, January 28 two criminals introduced themselves on the campus of the Catholic Institute attached to the church of the Holy Family, in Srinagar, and set fire to the pastor’s motorcycle. The school, founded in 1893, is still functioning and he has great esteem. It is among the approximately 100 Catholic schools of the state, where 18 thousand Catholics live.
The alarm is shared with other associations such as the "Global Council of Indian Christians" and the " Evangelical Fellowship of India". NGOs call on Omar Abdullah, Prime Minister of Kashmir, to ensure safety and security to the small Christian population "who live in fear since there has been a campaign of hatred and violence, followed by the fatwa issued against three Christian leaders by an Islamic court ". According to local sources, some Christian families, for fear of being victims of violence, have left Srinagar to settle in Jammu (considered more secure) or even out of the state. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/01/2012)