Delhi Archbishop says attacks on churches are 'orchestrated'

Delhi Archbishop JT Couto on Wednesday expressed concern over "growing attacks" on churches, terming them "orchestrated" in the wake of vandalism of a church in West Delhi's Vikaspuri.

A church was vandalised by two unidentified men in west Delhi's Vikaspuri area at around 4:19 AM today, more than a month after a mysterious early morning fire damaged St Sebastian's Church in Dilshad Garden.

"A clear pattern of orchestrated attacks on churches is emerging as more and more churches are targeted, vandalised and set on fire. This is very disturbing and we request the local authorities to take adequate measures to bring to book the miscreants...," the Archbishop said. He further alleged that the attacks are aimed at creating a fear psychosis and tension among different communities.

"As a minuscule minority, we focus on serving the poor and the nation at large. But the growing number of attacks on churches and personnel in different parts of the country is aimed at creating a fear psycho and tension among different communities," he said.

The Archbishop urged the Central government to act swiftly in ensuring that law and order is maintained while religious harmony and social peace are upheld in the capital.