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May 25, 2009

Riots Break Out in India Over Sikh Temple Shooting in Austria
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Government troops are also called in an attempt to quell rioting over
the death of a Sikh preacher in Austria 
Vehicles are burnt in Jalandhar, India by protestors against the attacks
on Sikh religious leaders at a temple in Austria's capital, 24 May
2009Police in northern India say two people were killed Monday during
rioting triggered by the killing of a Sikh preacher at a temple in
Austria. Police say one person died in the town of Jalandhar when police
fired on protesters. Another person was killed by an army bullet during
protests in Lambra village, about 30 kilometers from Jalandhar. Several
other people have been injured in the mayhem. Officials in India's
Punjab state imposed a curfew in the district around Jalandhar and
called in troops Sunday to quell rioting by a Sikh group whose members
are mainly low-caste Dalits, or "untouchables." Followers of the group
turned violent after attackers in Vienna killed one of their religious
leaders. The preacher, identified as Sant Rama Nand, was visiting a
temple in Austria Sunday when he was shot dead by rival Sikhs from a
higher caste. Fifteen other people, including another visiting preacher,
were wounded when the rival Sikhs attacked worshipers with knives and at
least one gun. Austrian police have arrested the alleged attackers.
Police say the rival Sikhs apparently were incensed when the temple
awarded a high religious honor to one of the visiting preachers. India's
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, himself a Sikh, said he was deeply
distressed by the attack and subsequent violence. He issued an appeal
for calm, saying that "Whatever the provocation, it is important to
maintain peace and harmony among different sections of the people." 

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters. 


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