The Congress's plans of staging a rally in Ahwa came to nought when the authorities refused permission, saying such an action would fan tensions. The Congress, which was to hand over a memorandum to the collector, did however hold a public meeting at the Ahwa Check post.

While no untowardincident was reported from the district during the day, four incidents occurred late last night. A prayer hall was damaged at Mul Chaudh, 7 km from here, at Baardal, 50 km from here, Baripada, 15 kms from here, and Pahan Khadwal, 40 kms from here.

At Mul Chaudh, Christian residents said they were not being allowed to use the local well. Mohanbhai Parmar, a resident, said: ``We have not been allowed to take water from the well since this morning.''

The police sought to put a calming spin on the situation. DSP Rajendra Gaikwad said ``People need not fear as the police will take action against those who take the law in their hands.''

However, district CNI church superintendent T V Gaikwad claimed there had been threats to life and property in many villages even after the peace meeting. ``The villagers of Zhari, Harpada, Ahirpada, Vadiyen Ven and Nakutat have been threatened late last night.''

Father Ashok Vaghela, who is also a member of the peace committee said he feared that the wave of violence mayforce parents to withdraw their children from missionary schools.

The peace committee seems to have got stuck even before it has started. Christians to whom this reporter spoke to were skeptical of its viability and role, saying the peoples' minds had already been communalised.

``There is no change of heart,'' a missionary said. Others stated that they anticipated more attacks in the coming days.

``The whole peace committee is an exercise in futility. ``What is the use of a peace committee when, even as they are meeting, churches are being broken down at the same time?'', asked one member of the community.