Violence in Punjab over defaming image of Jesus

(February 22, 2010) Violence between minority Christians and Hindu extremists broke out on Saturday in India’s Punjab state as Christians expressed outrage over an image of Jesus drinking beer and smoking. Clashes broke out in the industrial town of Batala where Christians protested against a cartoon by a Delhi publisher depicting Jesus raising a beer in one hand and holding a cigarette in the other. Batala’s streets were the scenes of violent clashes between Christians who wanted the closure of shops and businesses in protest, and Hindus. Activists of Hindu extremist groups such as Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Shiv Sena waged a guerrilla war on the Christians, attacking three churches, injuring 10 people and damaging several shops. Some 25% of the population of Gurdaspur district of which Batala is part, are Christians. A curfew which was clamped on Saturday was partly lifted on Monday. Bishop Anil Couto of Jalandhar, appealed for calm and brotherhood. He called on Christians to practice the teachings of the Gospel, promoting peace and forgiveness, but at the same time pointed out that too often "provocative actions or images" wound the soul and the religious feelings of Christians. Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal condemned the offensive image and warned "those who do not appreciate peace” and foment sectarian hatred. He said he has given the police well-defined guidelines to "punish those guilty of sacrilege."