Vandals damage church in Bangalore

(September 11, 2009) A group of vandals has attacked a Catholic church in southern India’s Karnataka state destroying two statues and 40 windows. The incident took place at the St. Francis de Sales Church of Hebbagudi, 20 km from Bangalore city, on the night between Wednesday and Thursday. According to preliminary reports, an unidentified group of 15-20 people armed with sticks and axes also tried to set fire to a car parked near the parish house. Even the parish house was damaged. Karnataka state has been ruled by Barathiya Janata Party (BJP) which has a long history of violence against churches. A year ago, during the anti-Christian violence in Orissa state, Christians in Karnataka too faced hostility in 112 cases in 29 districts. This year there have already been 20 new attacks. The Global Council of Indian Christians has condemned this week’s violence. Karnataka chief minister, B.S. Yeddyurappa has threatened action against the vandals and asked the police to take strong measures. His government, he said, is committed to ensuring harmony among different ethnic and religious communities.