Friday, January 21 2005 19:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: A bandh called to protest American evangelist Binny Hinn's programme in Bangalore today (Jan 21, 2005) drew a mixed response marred by stray violence, as the controversial Pastor kick started the three-day event under thick security.

Sixty buses were stoned during the bandh called by the Hindu Jagarana Vedike which is up in arms against Hinn, accusing him of aiming at converting people to Christianity, and attempts were made to set fire to two buses.

Police also resorted to lathicharge to disperse a mob as they tried to block traffic at Hebbal on way to the venue, which has been converted into a high-security zone with more than 10,000 policemen deployed. Tyres of 20 buses were also deflated by the protesters.

Police were on their tenterhooks as tens of thousands of people gathered at the Jakkur airfield on city outskirts to hear Hinn who is projected also as a "healer miracle man".

BJP stronghold areas responded well to the bandh call with shops and other commercial establishments remaining closed but life remained normal overall with private vehicles, buses and autorikshaws plying as usual.

Brushing aside the outcry against it, Hinn began his "Festival of Blessings: Prayer for India" programme in the evening in a dramatic grand show.

Rejecting calls to keep away from the event, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh attended it along with senior ministerial colleagues after lashing out at BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and Sangh Parivar calling them as "reactionary forces".