Kashmir Christians given security

Author:
Publication: Indian Currents
Date: October 20, 2002
 
Government agencies have placed church institutions in the Kashmir Valley under special security and urged Christians to restrict their movement after mobs staged protests in the northern Indian region. The moves came after separatists in the Muslim-dominated area protested remarks against Prophet Muhammad attributed to an American Baptist minister Groups of Muslims blocked roads and forced shops and businesses to close Oct. 7 in Srinagar, capital of Jammu and Kashmir state, after news reports Oct. 3 quoted Reverend Jerry Falwell as saying Muhammad was a terrorist. In a TV news program, Reverend Falwell reportedly said he had read enough Muslim and non-Muslim writers to decide that Muhammad "was a violent man, a man of war." He also reportedly said, "I think Muhammad was a terrorist."

As reports spread and tension mounted, Sunday Mass on Oct. 6 at Holy Family Church in Srinagar took place "under a thick shadow of guns," Bishop Peter Celestine EIampassery of Jammu-Srinagar told UCA News Oct. 8. "probably it was the first time we had such security," said the Capuchin bishop, whose diocesan territory covers the entire state, where more than 70,000 people have died since armed Muslim insurgency broke out in 1989.

He added that a ceremony to la the foundation stone of a convent building Oct. 7 in Srinagar had been conducted under tight security "because of warnings" from security forces. Father Jose Vadakkel, principal of St. Joseph's School in Baramulla, says police used tear gas to disperse protesters a few meteres from the school. Baramulla, in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, is traditionally considered a stronghold of the Muslim insurgents, who demand independence from India.

Father Vadakkel said nuns and priests there have "not stepped out for so many days" on the advice of police. "We are being careful," he said, adding that police have given similar advice to Church workers in Srinagar (UCAN)
 

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