08/07/2019 India (International Christian Concern) – A Christian Indian attorney by the name of Harjinder Singh represents 10 Christians who were arrested at a wedding in northern India, under the accusation of “disturbing the peace and fraudulent conversions”. According to Morning Star News, Attorney Singh attempted to discuss the matter with a Sikh leader who organized the wedding raid that led to arrests, and he was met with a violent physical attack.

On June 29, 2019, the attorney was beaten by the Sikh leader, Dr. Gurmeet, at his place of work at a medical clinic. Several others joined in, taunting him and threatening him. Eventually, Singh was able to escape to the Raisinghnagar police station where a written statement was taken. However, no case was ever registered. To Singh’s surprise, the following day the newspaper reported that a case had in fact been filed against him on behalf of Dr. Gurmeet. To date, no action has been taken against those responsible for organizing either attack.

At the wedding that launched the incident, nearly 250 intruders arrived and accused the pastor and music team at the wedding. This led to 10 Christians sitting in harsh jail conditions for a significant amount of time. The charges were eventually dropped after public outcry and their release on bail. They were told to leave the city to help calm tensions between the two groups.

State officials, international organizations and local individuals were able to work together for these Christians release. Despite the harsh and violent physical conditions that these Indian Christians were subjected to, the public awareness and pressure provided an avenue for release without further legal action. Thonhauser of ADF International is quoted as saying, “ultimately, public awareness is key”.  In a country that often sees legal action taken against Christians, especially in cases of conversion or blasphemy, this case shows the power of the public to demand change.