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Indian school textbook calls Jesus a 'demon'

by Eno Adeogun

The Indian Christian Voice (ICV), an organisation representing the larger interests of the Christian community in India, said they were deeply offended by the Gujarat textbook's words and demanded that the book be withdrawn.

The charity in a statement said Muslims would also be hurt by the reference as they regard Jesus Christ as a highly revered Prophet.

ICV President Abraham Mathai said: "We demand criminal action against the perpetrators and an unconditional apology from the state government.

He added the book should only be re-issued if corrected and demanded the state government re-assure the minority communities about its commitment to protect them.

He continued: "Such wild and reckless statements have the potential to spark off a conflagration that could seriously jeopardise communal harmony.

The controversy began after the recent discovery of a statement in the Hindi textbook which used the adjective 'haivaan' - which means demon - while referring to Jesus Christ.

Mathai claimed officials called the inclusion of the word a typo as the word could mean 'demon', 'devil' or 'beast' but their promise to correct it is yet to occur.

The Gujarat Christian community took up their grievances with the state government a month ago, according to the Indian Express.

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