Story number 1 for 15 Apr 2002

(India)–Topping the news, India’s parliament has passed a new controversial anti-terrorism bill that may have an impact on Christian work in India. The concern is that security forces could abuse the increased powers provided by the Prevention of Terrorism Bill. Mission India’s Communications Director, Dave DeGroot. “The new anti-terrorism law is designed to protect India from the terrorist activities of certain groups of extremists. The fear of many Christians is that it might be misused to label ongoing Christian activities as some kind of terrorist activity.” Opponents have called penalties for violations of the new law ‘draconian’. DeGroot says despite the threat, he expects the evangelistic work of Mission India to continue. “We find that persecution seems to be in hotspots in India. People on the ground will continue to do their work. They really need our prayers. Persecution is getting violent and there are many Christians that fear for their lives in these places.”