Christians protest against Somasekhara report

Bangalore,Feb 21 (PTI) Scores of Christians belonging tovarious denominations today held a protest meet here to voicetheir rejection of the Justice B K Somasekhara Commission ofEnquiry report on attacks on churches in Karnataka in 2008 anddemand a CBI probe on the issue.

The protesters, including members of the clergy and laycommunity, today expressed their grievances and hurtsentiments over the findings of the the Commission.

The protesters, who held placards, expressed theirsolidarity 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 alsodemanded that the guilty be brought to book and the affectedbe adequately compensated.

Last week, around 18 Bishops and community leadersheld a Dharna against the report.

The government had assured them that it would take stepsto withdraw cases against 338 persons in connection withviolence following attacks on churches in Mangalore and otherplaces.

On January 28, The Commission in its report, had given aclean chit to the B S Yeddyurappa Government and SanghParivar outfits in the attacks on churches.

It had cited circulation of "derogatory" literature with"insulting attitude" against Hindus and issues of conversionas the main reasons for the attacks.