The most serious incident was reported from Vaki village near Ahwa, the Dangs district headquarters, where a mob of about 500 persons attacked a church, damaged a couple of houses and looted a shop in the village around 9.15 p.m. yesterday, according to Pandya. More than seven people sustained bullet injuries, and have been admitted to the local civil hospital, he added.

Cross-complaints have been registered with the Ahwa Police Station, with both parties holding each other responsible for the firing. CNI district superintendent T V Gaikwad alleged that though the bullets were aimed at members of the minority community, they hit the rioters. In fact, Pandya admitted that there had been an attack on the village sarpanch, who is a Christian.

Gaikwad also alleged that the mob did not stop at firing, but damaged a couple of houses and a prayer hall. Fodder kept for animals continued to burn through the day, he added.

Prayer halls in Karade Amba and Rouchand villages were also damaged, Gaikwad told Express Newsline, adding that he had received reports that the rioters were to strike at Karangadi and Vardal villages in the night. He said the minority community members were living in fear despite setting up of the peace committee and Pandya's assurances.

The peace committee, set up under the chairmanship of district collector Bharat Joshi, held its first meeting during the day and saw allegations being exchanged by members of both communities.

Pandya, however, was optimistic and said the committee would work as a bridge between the two communities and help defuse tension locally in case of disturbances. He claimed that, with the formation of the committee, a channel of communication had been established and the strained relations eased to a great extent.

Meanwhile, the third rally that the Hindu Dharmajagaran Manch had organised to coincide with Christmas festivities in Surat district passed off peacefully on Sunday. A sammelan was held in Umarkhadi village on Sunday afternoon after similar sammelans in Dholarwa and Tokarwa villages.