India: Catholic church ransacked

A Catholic church in the city of Raikia, in Orissa State (east India), was ransacked yesterday afternoon by a large crowd. The Press Trust of India news agency, reported that at least 300 people stormed the church, shattering statues of the Virgin Mary and angels, as well as windows and doors. Paintings and textiles were transported out of the structure and torched, as also a vehicle in the parking lot in front of the Church. No victims were reported. The assault occurred after some Christians protested against the removal of a fence near the church by some people intending to plant some trees. Police was deployed around the building, but tension remains high. Source: MISNA