A curfew has been imposed in parts of the eastern Indian state of Orissa after Hindu hardliners attacked up to a dozen Christian churches, police say. One person was killed and more than 25 were injured in the violence in the Kandhamal area on Tuesday, police said.
The clashes followed differences between local Hindu tribal and Christians over Christmas celebrations.
Security was tightened at churches in Orissa, which has seen violence between Christians and Hindus in the past.
The trouble began on Monday morning at Brahmanigaon village, 150km (95 miles) from the main district town of Phulbani, over Christmas celebrations.
While local Christians wanted to celebrate the event in a grand way, the local Hindus opposed the plan, police said.
This led to a clash between the two communities.
Trouble escalated in the afternoon after a group of people attacked the vehicle carrying a local Hindu leader, Swami Laxamananda Saraswati, as he was on his way to the area.
While his vehicle was partially damaged, Mr Saraswati and one of those accompanying him were injured, district police chief Narasimha Bhol said.
Mr Saraswati is recovering in a government hospital.
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