Christian communities across the eastern state of Orissa staged peaceful protests, though there were several reports of demonstrators throwing stones, The Times of India said.

Catholic Bishops' Conference of India spokesman Babu Joseph said the demonstrations were to raise the issue of violence against the community where more than 13 people have died since Saturday.

Conflict erupted in the region Saturday when Laxmananda Saraswati, a leader of the nationalist Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was killed along with several other members of the group.

VHP blames the Christians for carrying out the attack on its leaders. Activists with the group torched a missionary school in Orissa in response, burning a Christian woman alive.

"All our schools and colleges are closed. Let me clarify, survival is more important than education," Joseph said.

The spokesman said Christian communities throughout India staged protests in response to the violence.

"Christians from at least 30 churches across the country participated in the rally in Delhi and chanted slogans against the human rights violation in Orissa," he said.

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