Fresh incidents of attack on churches in Bangalore

Three churches were reportedly attacked in Bangalore this morning.

Bangalore, Sept 21 : Three churches were reportedly attacked in Bangalore this morning.

According to reports, some unidentified persons attacked the churches in Mariyannapalya, Banasawadi and Rajarajeswara Nagar here at around 4:30 a.m. today.

The attacks came after the arrest of Bajrang Dal state convenor Mahendra Kumar on Friday night from Mangalore in connection with the recent communal violence in the state.

On Saturday, State Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has instructed the District Collector's and Superintendents of Police of all Districts of the state to arrest suspicious elements and take stringent action against peace breakers.

The Chief Minister also directed them that rallies and protest marches should not be allowed till the situation normalises.

In the wake of reports that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal activists are carrying out attacks on churches with the tacit approval of the State Government, the Centre has issued these warnings under Article 355, an emergency provision that says that it is the duty of the Union Government to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbances.

Tension started when suspected activists of Bajrang Dal targeted churches, when Sunday mass was being held at Singtagere, Magodu and Jayapura in Chikmagalur District, and Sirur and Mudur in Udupi District and Kodikkal, Falnir and Alfa Centre in Mangalore on September 14.

According to Bajrang Dal sources, coordinated attacks were mounted against conversion, not a single Catholic church was attacked. Only prayer halls belonging to the New Life Sect in southern Karnataka were attacked.

Last month at least 16 people, mostly Christians were killed, churches destroyed and 10,000 Christians were forced to flee their homes as violence spread in Kandhamal District of Orissa.

ANI