The National Commission for Minorities, taking a ``serious note'' of the attacks announced it would summon top Gujarat Chief Secretary and other senior State officials and ask for an explanation.

The attacks on churches, missionary schools and houses of Christian missionaries and burning of vehicles took place at Subir, Gadhvi, Divankhedi and Nadagkhadi villages adjoining Ahwa, police said.

Mobs attacked a church and a school run by Christians at a village near Ahwa and stoned a church in the Limbayat police station area in Surat city yesterday.

A peace committee -- thefirst in the State with representatives from the Christian community -- met during the day, and Home Minister Haren Pandya said the situation was peaceful.

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 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 foranimals continued to burn through the day, he added.

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