Hindus and Muslims Unite in Protest Over Arrest of Swami

November 17, 2004

Source: The Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/924997.cms

On November 17, 2004 The Times of India reported, "That the residents of Satara town in western Maharashtra observed a day-long peaceful bandh on Tuesday to protest against the arrest of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi is just half the news. What was noteworthy was the rare show of unity by members of hardcore Hindu and Muslim organisations.

The Muslim community in Satara turned out in large numbers on Tuesday to participate in the march from Gandhi Maidan grounds to the Satara collectorate to protest against the arrest.

The reason? The leaders of hardcore Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Hindu Mahasabha, BJP and the Shiv Sena, had upheld the minority community’s request to postpone the bandh, earlier scheduled for Monday, in view of the Id celebrations."