Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani [Images] on Monday condemned the recent spate of attacks on the Christian community in parts of Orissa and Karnataka

Winding up his two-day visit to Assam and Meghalaya, Advani told the media," I strongly condemn these act of violence and vandalism. The law must take its course and the culprits must be brought to justice."

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The BJP leader, who held a meeting with leaders from various communities earlier in the day, said, "There is a need for frank and constructive inter-religious dialogues on these issues. Let people from various communities strengthen the bond of Indian-ness that ties us together in the larger national community."

About his meeting, Advani said, "I had a very fruitful meeting with religious leaders of different faiths including Hindus, Muslims and Christians."

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According to a source, the BJP leader assured the religious leaders that the chief ministers of Orissa and Karnataka had been asked to initiate detailed probe into the attacks on Christians in these states and bring the culprits to book.

He assured the leaders that the BJP believed in peaceful co-existence of all religious communities and the party had always tried to ensure that no section of the society was left behind.

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"Religious sentiments should not precede national interests. India is a secular country and no section of the society should be neglected," Advani told the religious leaders.

The Christian delegation of Meghalaya, led by Arch Bishop Reverend Dominic Dala, submitted a memorandum to the BJP leader, protesting attacks against Christians in Orissa and Karnataka.

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