Three more churches attacked in Karnataka

The undying violence against Christians in the state of Karnataka continued as Hindu fanatics targeted 3 more churches in DK, Chikmagalur and Kolar districts.

The news that made headlines all over the nation was reported on Tuesday night when unidentified miscreants allegedly those from Bajrang Dal and RSS groups ransacked churches and damaged statues and furnitures.

According to a letter issued by the Bishop's office, it was mentioned that the miscreants entered the church by breaking the lock of front door and burned the Bible, prayer books and destroyed holy icons.

"We strongly condemn the act and we are not violent and not believe in violence. We respect the administration and the law of the country. We respect all religions. We, the Christian minority community, need protection from kinds of anti–social, anti–religious activities," said Fr Joseph, Vicar General of the Bishops House.

"Ours is a democratic country and all the citizens enjoy equal rights and privileges. No one can usurp the constitutional rights of this minority community in this largest democratic nation. The quality of democracy must be measured by the way the country treats its minorities and the marginalized," he added.

Dissatisfied over the Home Department's handling of the "disturbances" in Dakshina Kannada disrict, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday demanded an inquiry into alleged police "atrocities" there against women belonging to Christian institutions.

The administration should safeguard churches, nuns, teachers and common people especially women, she said while expressing her shock about "police brutality" on women who had recently participated in a protest march against attacks on Christian Prayer Halls.

To extend solidarity with the suffering Christians in the state, the Muslim leaders decided to protest the Hindu fanatic violence and also to demand a ban on Bajrang Dal.

Karnataka Imams Council (KIC) plans a dharna in Bangalore on Thursday to condemn the attacks on places of worship in three districts in the state.

Mafti Ihathmul Haq, a Council official, in a statement said the attacks on prayer halls and places of worship in three districts in Karnataka posed a threat to the country's unity and strength.

Police have so far arrested more than 170 people for violence in the state which injured at least 40 over the weekend.

The right wing Bajrang Dal group claims that Hindus are being illegally converted to Christianity and demanded a ban on Pentecostal missions in the state.