Indian police detain dozens protesting attacks on churches

Published February 5, 2015
A polieman stands guard in New Delhi. — Reuters/file
A polieman stands guard in New Delhi. — Reuters/file

NEW DELHI: Police detained dozens of people Thursday who were protesting against recent attacks on churches in the Indian capital and who accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of inaction to prevent or investigate the incidents.

Police said the protesters were detained as they marched toward the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh in a high-security area where protests are banned.

Read: Indian Christians protest as fire destroys church

“The protesters have no permission to protest on the road. They can't just march to the home minister's residence. We have to protect the homes of VIPs,” a senior police officer, Mukesh Kumar Meena, told New Delhi Television network.

Carrying placards that read “Enough is Enough, What are police doing?” the protesters assembled outside the city's main Sacred Heart Church in central New Delhi.

The protesters blame the attacks on Hindu hardliners.

Police say they have provided security to all 225 churches in the Indian capital.

The protest comes after a mysterious fire gutted a church in New Delhi and several other incidents of vandalism at churches across the city.

On Monday, a church was vandalised in New Delhi when unidentified people broke in and desecrated holy objects kept in the church, the fifth such attack on a Christian church since December.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...