Bangalore: Christians protest against Somasekhara report

PTI

Bangalore, 21 February 2011: Scores of Christians belonging to various denominations today held a protest meet here to voice their rejection of the Justice B K Somasekhara Commission of Enquiry report on attacks on churches in Karnataka in 2008 and demand a CBI probe on the issue.

 

The protesters, including members of the clergy and lay community, today expressed their grievances and hurt sentiments over the findings of the the Commission. The protesters, who held placards, expressed their solidarity with those who had faced the brunt of the attack.

 

The Christians termed the report as "biased and one-sided" and sought a CBI probe on the issue. The protesters also demanded that the guilty be brought to book and the affected be adequately compensated.

 

Last week, around 18 Bishops and community leaders held a Dharna against the report. The government had assured them that it would take steps to withdraw cases against 338 persons in connection with violence following attacks on churches in Mangalore and other places.

 

On January 28, The Commission in its report, had given a clean chit to the  B S Yeddyurappa Government and Sangh Parivar outfits in the attacks on churches. It had cited circulation of "derogatory" literature with "insulting attitude" against Hindus and issues of conversion as the main reasons for the attacks.