DELHI, India, MAY 29, 2007 (Zenit.org).- More than 4,000 protesters were arrested as they marched through the streets of India's capital, asking the government to break the silence on violence against Christians.
Today's rally was organized following recent televised attacks on Christians and increased anti-Christian incidents, www.AsiaNews.it reported.
Event planners expected 2,000 people, but nearly 5,000 showed up to demonstrate near the Parliament in New Delhi.
Speeches at the event demanded protection of human dignity and constitutional rights for the Christian community and other minorities.
Police later confirmed the arrest of approximately 4,000 people, though they were released shortly afterward.
John Dayal, secretary-general of the All India Christian Council, and president of the All India Catholic Union said: "This was the first time since November 1997 that such large numbers of Christians have been arrested in the Parliament Street Police Station.
"It was incredible to see Catholic nuns, Protestant pastors, civil society activists and others singing Christian songs of liberation within the police station."
Code: ZE07052913
Date: 2007-05-29