Archbishop 'hurt'over attacks, tells CM he was angered

Bangalore, Sep 22 (UNI) Archbishop Rev Bernard today said he was very much hurt following the attacks on places of worship in Karnataka since last one week.

Rev Bernard told Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who called on him to express his sympathies over recent incident of attacks on places of worship in the state, ''I am very much hurt by the attack and violence meted out to minority Christians in the state. We are hurt, we did not expect such incidents in Karnataka. However, you (Mr Yeddyurappa) have come... let us go inside but Publicly I am telling you that I was very much hurt.'' Mr Yeddyurappa said '' I was also hurt.. let us talk inside.'' The Chief Minister, who held an emergency cabinet meeting this morning, told newsmen that the cabinet has taken a decision to book under the Goonda Act those who indulged in violence against minorities and attacked places of worship.

Stating that the government would deal with iron hand those involved in disturbing communal peace, Mr Yeddyurappa warned that anybody making provocative speeches and statements would also be dealt with firmly and necessary instructions have already been issued to top police officials in this regard.

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