In a statement, TMC president G K Moopanar condemned the incident of sexual assault on nuns at the Mandaria Falia Christian missionary in Jabhua district and lashed out at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for its action in hailing the criminals as patriotic citizens of the country.

Wondering whether the VHP aimed at taking the country to the stone age when men were uncivilised, Moopanar said it was most unfortunate that the VHP targeted the Christian missionaries who have been known for hundreds of years for their selfless service to the sick, poor and deprived people. The VHP's notion is an assault on the Constitution of India, he added.

Asking how the BJP allowed the VHP to carry on its activities with impunity, the TMC leader said it was imperative on the part of the Vajpayee Government toarrest the undesirable trend and prevent it from spreading over to other states. The TMC, he said, stood by the Christian community and assured the community of all help in its pursuit of building a peaceful and prosperous society.