Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apologized to Church leaders for the police beating of protesters – including priests and nuns – during a march to Parliament advocating for rights for low-caste Christians.

Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto was among six Catholic bishops and about a dozen clergy from different churches detained during the march Dec. 11.

Hundreds of the protesters from across India broke through police barricades and marched to Parliament, seeking an end to discrimination against Christian dalits, or members of the low castes.