Condemning the fresh outbreak of violent attacks on Christian missionary schools and churches in Gujarat, particularly in the Dangs district and in the town of Surat, the CPI(M) said such systematic attacks were continuing, despite assurance given by the Union Ministers.

In a strongly-worded statement, the CPI(M) politbureau said the Union Home Minister, who has gone on record stating that there is no law and order problem in Gujarat, should take cognisance of the violent attacks perpetrated against Christians and take necessary action.

The inability of the Government to rein in the culprits smacks of a ``connivance of both State Government and Union Government in permitting, if not encouraging, such attacks,'' the CPI(M) said.

The strident stand taken by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other units of the Sangh Parivar, is a signalthat the Saffron brigade is gearing up for more organised and premeditated violence against the minorities, the party warned.

The CPI(M) has appealed to the people to defend the secular democratic tenets of the country.