Church attacks spread to TN

COIMBATORE, SEPT 26 (Agencies) – Attacks on church institutions spread to Tamil Nadu after a statue of Jesus Christ kept in front of Gnanaprakasham church at Dharmapuram near Erode was found damaged today even as crucifix located at Karthikappally junction at Harippad in Kerala was found broken by unidentified persons.

Following this police beefed up security at churches, mosques and temples in Erode district.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi warned of stern action against those who aroused religious sentiments to disturb communal harmony in the State.

In a statement, he said following the attacks on some Churches in Karnataka and Orissa, stray incidents of stone pelting on churches were reported from a few places in Tamil Nadu. The Government would not tolerate any attempts to disturb communal harmony. in the State, he said.

Police would take stern action against those who indulged in such incidents, he said.

The attack in Erode came as fresh instances of desecration of church property were reported from Kerala. Glass panes of a holy wayside cupola at Harippad in Kerala’s Alleppey district were found broken.

The panes of the cupola were smashed with a stone, police said, adding that the glass on a portrait of apostle St Thomas placed inside it was also found broken.

The cross had been installed by St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral at Harippad. A photo of St Thomas, installed near the crucifix, was also found broken.

A total ‘hartal’ was observed in Harippad to protest the incident. A procession was also taken out by the local minority community.

Police had made no arrests so far. It suspected some anti-social elements to be behind the incident.Earlier this week, two place of worship at Nedumbaserry, near Kochi, were found vandalised.

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