Dalit Village Attacked

Gospel for Asia is pointing Dalits to Christ as they search for freedom and hope.

Dalit leaders in Karnataka, India, are asking the local government for protection after attacks in their village left 11 people injured and 37 homes damaged.

The attacks began with an incident involving a Dalit young man who was visiting a village where the majority of the population is comprised of high-caste families. He was on his way to visit family members when he was attacked by several teenagers near a tea shop.

The online edition of The Hindu newspaper reported that the conflict intensified when "a few Dalit youths retaliated" for the attack. Then a high-caste gang attacked the entire Dalit village, damaging houses, torching motorcycles and bicycles, and injuring many who tried to stop them. Three people were admitted to a hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. The gang also defaced the Dalits' traditional places of worship and posters of the famous Dalit freedom leader, Dr. Ambedkar Sangh.

The government's current policy is to offer compensation to those who were attacked. But one Dalit leader says that officials should do something to prevent attacks like these from even happening.

"Otherwise, 'upper caste' people will continue their attacks on Dalits, and the government as a ritual will distribute compensation," he told The Hindu.

Nine people have been arrested in connection with the attack. Dalits belonging to an activist group have threatened further retaliation if the government fails to provide protection for the village.

Gospel for Asia ministers among Dalit villages in the state of Karnataka and throughout India. Dalits live vulnerable and unprotected lives, and are often quick to embrace the message of Christ because He offers them hope, value and love.

Gospel for Asia missionaries in Karnataka ask for prayer that many in the state would come to know Christ. They also request prayer that God would protect the missionaries and the Dalits from those who would seek to harm them.

Read about Gospel for Asia's ministry to Dalits.

Read about Karnataka, the state where this village is located.