BANGALORE: Facing criticism for the recent spate of attacks on churches in Karnataka, the BJP government on Tuesday ordered a probe into the flow of foreign funds to some organisations saying that the money was being used for converting Hindus into Christianity.

"It has come to the knowledge of the state government that some organisations are using foreign funds, they are getting, for conversion of majority Hindus into Christianity," Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa charged and declared that such things would not be allowed.

"In the backdrop of reports about forcible conversions in parts of the state, which led to attacks on churches, the government has ordered a scrutiny of such accounts which receive foreign funds for conversion," he told reporters after chairing a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in the troubled areas.

Attributing conversions as the main reason for Sunday's attack on churches and prayer halls in parts of two coastal districts and Malnad region's Chikmagalur, he said he had ordered an enquiry into the foreign funds that were being deployed for conversions.

Yeddyurappa charged the opposition Congress and JD(S) with attempting to destabilise his government and also rejected their demand for a judicial probe into the attack on churches.

He also rejected the opposition demand for his resignation and that of Home Minister Dr V S Acharya and shot back asking, "will the UPA government quit office because of terror strikes?"

Yeddyurappa said that the attacks had taken place in areas where there was conversion activity taking place and said stern action would be taken against those responsible.

Despite the mounting tension, Mangalore, the scene of violent protests remained calm on Tuesday and observed a bandh called by the Sri Ram Sena. Shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed, police said.

They said about 170 persons have been arrested in connection with the attacks on churches in Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur.

As a precautionary measure, the authorities extended the prohibitory orders clamped in Mangalore till September 19. On Sunday, the ban order was imposed for three days.