The Hindu : Front Page : U.K. Sikhs disrupt play

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 20, 2004

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Front Page

U.K. Sikhs disrupt play

LONDON, DEC. 19. Hundreds of Sikh protesters tried to storm a theatre in Birmingham, about 200 km from here, to disrupt a play which allegedly hurt their religious sentiments, the police said today.

At least five police officers were injured when they tried to prevent the Sikhs from storming the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, where the play, "Behzti" (Dishonour), depicting acts of sexual abuse and murder in a gurdwara, was going on last night.

"There were up to 400 persons outside the theatre. A large number of them made a concerted effort to get into the theatre to disrupt the performance and this caused damage and disorder," a police spokeswoman said.

The play was cancelled after the protest.

Two persons were arrested for public order offences and security around the theatre has been tightened, the spokeswoman said.

Five persons had been arrested during the earlier protests. Three of them had been released on bail pending inquiries and one had been cautioned.

"Negotiations are currently on between the management of the theatre, protesters and police," the spokeswoman said.

The play, written by the Sikh playwright, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, explores issues of sexual abuse, manipulation and relationships inside a gurdwara.

PTI

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