In India Protesters Demand Dropping Charges Against Religious Procession Displaying Swords

In the Indian city of Rajkot, a number of Hindu organizations, supported by both the Congress and BJP parties, have launched demonstrations to protest the arrest by local police of 37 people who displayed swords in a procession last week celebrating the Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri (The Night of Shiva). Express India today reports that the 37 were charged under the Indian Arms Act 1959.  The protesters say, however, that the procession, with its display of swords, is a 30-year old tradition for celebration of the religious festival. So far, local authorities have refused demands that the charges be withdrawn.