Crowd attacks Indian church during Mass

Several people were injured on Sunday, when a group of around 70 Hindu fundamentalists burst into the Holy Family church in Hinkal, Mysore, Karnakata, during morning Mass. Shouting slogans and armed with sticks and stones, they hurled bricks at the congregation and smashed windows. The All India Christian Council, the All India Catholic Union and other civil society groups have condemned the incident. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, on behalf of the All India Christian Council and the All India Catholic Union, Dr John Dayal said: "This seems a well planned campaign to terrorise the minorities and is part of the Sangh Parivar's long term strategy." In recent weeks there have been a series of attacks on Christians in the area. The Indian police say they have now arrested seven people in connection with Sunday's attack and other searching for other suspects.