More than 500 people were allegedly killed by Fulani tribesmen in renewed communal violence in the northern Nigerian city of Jos, prompting the government to declare a red alert and deploy troops to ensure clashes did not escalate.

Members of Christian and Hindu communities clashed and indulged in vandalising public property in Batala on Saturday over publication of a picture of Jesus Christ in an allegedly objectionable manner, prompting authorities to clamp an indefinite curfew.

A judicial commission which probed attacks on churches in Karnataka has recommended a ban on all communal organisations which practise and preach activities against any religion.

Facing flak over the twin attacks on churches in Karnataka, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday said he suspected the hand of an "organised group" which was trying to tarnish the image of the BJP government.

The communal-violence between Muslims and Christians escalated today in the Nigerian town of Jos as rioters set houses on fire and burned vehicles, forcing authorities to impose a 24-hour curfew in the region where at least 60 people have been killed.