Two mosques and NGO stoned by miscreants in Mangalore

Unidentified miscreants hurled stones at two mosques and a Christian NGO here, injuring a boy and damaging a statue of Mother Mary, a week after attacks on two churches in the State.

Canara Organisation for Development and Peace, a Christian NGO situated at Nanthura Padavu area was stoned on Sunday, causing damage to the portrait of Mother Mary, police said. The Father of the NGO Onilla D’ Souza has lodged a complaint.

Miscreants also threw stones at two mosques and a boy housed in one of them received minor injuries, they said.

Police have stepped up security following the incidents.

The incidents come after two churches were stoned at Mysore and at Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on January 25.

Coming under attack, Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa had blamed an “organised group” for twin attacks on churches, saying it was an attempt to tarnish the BJP government’s image.

But, Governor Dr. H. R. Bhardwaj had reminded the State government that it was its constitutional duty to deal with heavy hand forces disturbing communal peace and harmony.