New Delhi, Sept 16 : A team of National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has been appointed by the Centre to make an on the spot assessment of the attacks on churches and prayer halls in different parts of Karnataka.

The team led by its Chairman Mohammed Shafi Qureshi will visit all churches damaged in the attacks in Udupi, Chikmagalur, and Dakshina Kannada districts of the state. It will also visit Mangalore.

Before leaving for Mangalore, Qureshi said, "We strongly condemn the violence against Christian minorities in Karnataka. This has to stop immediately."

Qureshi said the team members would talk to the victims and also meet the Karnataka Governor and the Chief Minister to apprise them of the concerns of minorities.

NCM Vice Chairman Michael P Pinto and member Harcharan Singh Josh are the other members of the team. NCM Secretary M K Khanna and a Christian member of Delhi Minority Commission will also accompany them.

Earlier, NCM had asked for a report from the Karnataka government on the attacks on churches immediately after the violence broke out.

On September 14, violence erupted in Karnataka following attacks on churches and prayer halls by suspected Hindu activists over alleged forcible conversion. (ANI)