MUMBAI: Archbishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, has appealed to the Centre to deploy the Army in the jungles of Orissa where hundreds of Christians have taken refuge to escape the saffron mob that has unleashed violence in the state.

"It is a shocking and shameful. The Army should protect Christians," he said.

The cardinal said he would request the Centre to intervene in Orissa. "The government and police have failed to build confidence among minorities. If need be, there should be President's rule," he said. While condemning the murder of Laxmanananda Saraswati, the cardinal said it was the work of Maoists.

Abraham Matahi, convenor of All India Christian Council, said there was enough proof to ban VHP and Bajrang Dal. "If SIMI can be banned, why not these organisations which are spreading terror?"