Sikhs in India wield swords to violently attack Christian pastor

The Price of Faith: A Pastor’s Stand Against Treacherous Sikhs in India

“They wanted my head,” Kumar says of his attackers, holding up his scarred hands. “But God’s mercy is greater.”

Kumar’s journey to Christianity began in 2003, when he was 23. Born into a devout Sikh family, he regularly attended the local gurdwara (a place of worship for Sikhs) but felt something was missing. “I had no peace in my mind,” he says.

A friend invited him to a gospel meeting, where he first heard about Jesus. The message resonated deeply, leading him to convert—a decision that would reshape his life and eventually put him in the crosshairs of Sikh extremists.

Though his father had also converted, this offered little protection from extended family and community backlash. His aunt accused him of insulting the ceremonial sword, a sacred symbol in Sikhism. The family filed police reports with false allegations, leading to his brief imprisonment.

The May 2024 attack marked an escalation in the persecution. Four members of the Nihang Sikh group, known for their opposition to Christian converts, ambushed Kumar near his house. As they swung their swords, Kumar’s wife ran out to help and was also attacked. His brother, rushing to defend them, suffered severe cuts to his hands.

“They were shouting that I had become a Christian and more people would kill me,” Kumar recalls. Inside the house, his children watched the violence unfold. The sword blows meant to kill Pastor Kumar were blocked with his hands. He suffered large wounds on his palms, but was able to escape.

The aftermath revealed the deep-seated prejudices that Christian converts face in Punjab. Three hospitals refused to treat Kumar’s wounds. The first private clinic and government hospital claimed they couldn’t handle such injuries. Another hospital demanded 400,000 rupees (roughly $4,800) for treatment. Finally, a Christian hospital accepted him.

Within hours of the attack, word reached Global Christian Relief, which immediately stepped in to cover the medical expenses for Pastor Kumar. This swift intervention meant the family could focus on recovery rather than the crushing burden of hospital bills. “The Body of Christ came together,” Kumar says. “When one part suffers, all parts suffer together.”

Kumar’s story reflects a broader pattern of violence against Christians in India’s Punjab region, where Sikhs form the majority. While India’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, and conversion itself isn’t illegal, Christian converts often face social ostracism, physical violence and false criminal charges.

As previously reported, the United Christian Forum recently documented a 22% increase in violent attacks on India’s Christians, year over year. Many incidents go unreported, particularly in rural areas where traditional religious ties run deep. The rise of religious nationalism has intensified pressures on non-majority faiths, with ten states now having anti-conversion laws that critics say are used to harass religious minorities.

Despite the attack and ongoing threats, Kumar continues his ministry. “When they were attacking me, only one thought remained: ‘Lord, your mercy is greater,'” he says.

The police arrested his attackers, though they were later released. Kumar’s congregation has rallied around him, but the threat of future violence looms. Some believers have stopped attending services out of fear. Others come from farther away to avoid being recognized in their own neighborhoods.

In Punjab’s complex religious landscape, where ornate gurdwaras often stand near modest churches, Kumar’s story highlights the personal cost of religious conversion. His scars serve as both a testament to violence and a symbol of resilience.

“If I live, I live for God. If I die, I die for God,” Kumar says. Despite the persecution, underground house churches continue to grow across Punjab. New believers meet in small groups, sharing meals and studying scripture together. Kumar sees hope in these quiet gatherings. “The church isn’t just buildings,” he says. “It’s the people. And the people are growing stronger in their faith, not weaker.” His children now walk a careful line between faith and safety, but they speak of continuing their father’s work.

Outside Kumar’s home, daily life continues. Farmers tend their fields, children walk to school, and the local gurdwara broadcasts its morning prayers. In this ordinary setting, the future of Punjab’s church takes shape—not in grand buildings or public displays, but in the unwavering faith of believers who count the cost and still choose to follow Jesus.

A prayer for persecuted Christians in India

We invite our readers to watch a brief video on YouTube about the state of Christian persecution in India today. Then, say a prayer for Pastor Kumar and other minority believers who live among a majority community of Sikhs in India.

God, thank You for sparing Pastor Kumar’s life when he was mercilessly attacked with swords. Please heal his hands, so he can continue to faithfully serve You in ministry despite threats of violence. Father, we pray for the Sikh community in India. Through the love, kindness and powerful witness of believers like Pastor Kumar, may they come to know You and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. We pray for India to return to a nation in which the citizens peacefully respect each other’s religious rights to worship as they choose. Protect and grow Your church, so they can advance the Great Commission not just in India, but throughout the region of Southeast Asia. Amen.

About the author

Abigail Hart is a director of communications at Global Christian Relief. She strives to build awareness regarding Christian persecution by sharing the harrowing stories of believers who are suffering for their faith. She invites you to read the latest stories of Christian persecution and join the cause.