States » NorthPosted at: Oct 6 2026 4:55PM


Christian community protests in Punjab against Dhirendra Shastri remarks, demands FIR

Chandigarh, Oct 6 (UNI) Members of the Christian community staged a protest in Amritsar, Punjab, today against remarks allegedly made by Bageshwar Dham preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, accusing him of hurting their religious sentiments and demanding police action.
Protesters carrying placards raised slogans and demanded that Punjab Police register a case against Shastri. They also called on the state authorities to bar him from entering Punjab, saying they would intensify their agitation if no action was taken.
John Kotli, identified by organisers as a Christian community leader, accused Shastri of making objectionable references to Christian beliefs and the word “Hallelujah”, which he said was held sacred by Christians.
“Punjab is the land of gurus and pirs, where Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and Christians have lived together with brotherhood and love for generations,” Kotli said. “No one should be allowed to disturb this atmosphere or hurt the religious sentiments of any community.”
Kotli alleged that Shastri had mocked “Hallelujah” during public appearances and used gestures that members of the community considered offensive.
The allegations against Shastri could not be independently verified immediately, and he did not immediately respond to the protesters’ accusations.
The protesters urged the Punjab Director General of Police and the local administration to register an FIR under applicable legal provisions. They also demanded that Shastri be “blacklisted” in Punjab and arrested if he entered the state.
“We want an FIR to be registered and a copy handed over to us,” Kotli said. “Until action is taken, our protest will continue day and night.”
The protesters said they could begin a hunger strike and extend demonstrations to other districts of Punjab if authorities failed to act.
There was no immediate official statement from Punjab Police on the protesters’ demands.
The protest comes amid calls by community representatives for authorities to ensure that disputes involving religious speech are dealt with under the law while maintaining communal harmony in the state.
UNI NB SS
Tags: #Christian community protests in Punjab against Dhirendra Shastri remarks# demands FIR
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