said the miscreants had drawn a star surrounded by a circle- a well-known Satanic symbol - in front of the altar and set several books - including 11 Bibles and several hymn books - on fire inside the symbol.

He added that the church was filled with smoke when he opened the door on the morning of the 8th.

This is the third such incident within 10 days. A place of worship belonging to the United Pentecostal Church in Kolasib town and the Catholic church in Thingdawl were also desecrated in a similar way on April 30th and May. The defilers not only drew Satanic signs inside, but also wrote words ridiculing Christianity.