Kolkata breathes easy, Muslim protests peaceful, limited

Fears of widespread tension and possible street battles in Kolkata turned out false on Friday as Muslim groups restricted themselves to the Shahid Minar maidan and police outnumbered protesters by more than three to one.

Muslim groups had announced protests against the offensive anti-Islam video at the American Centre, prompting the US consulate to shut the centre down for two days and issue an advisory to its citizens in the city.

Some 1,500 protesters gathered at Esplanade under the banner of the newly formed group Ashiquan-e-Rasool (Lovers of God), and dispersed after burning the US flag and an effigy of the US President Barack Obama.

There were some strong speeches by imams, but the protesters made no attempt to move towards the American Center down the road. A force of no less than 500 personnel, swamped the city centre.

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