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Anti-conversion law

Sir, — This has reference to the Editorial "Attack on personal freedom" (Nov. 4). As you have rightly said, the way the Jayalalithaa regime pushed through the Bill banning forcible conversions reflects a total lack of sensitivity to the fundamental rights of religious minorities. The Act says that it will demolish every concocted and maliciously-attempted conversion tactic, but fails to address or even mention the fanatical thrusts of the pro-Hindutva sentiments and the move towards a monopoly and bigotry with the political implication of converting the country into a Hindu rashtra — a country of Hindus, for Hindus and by Hindus.

R. R. Sami,

Tiruvannamalai, T.N.

Sir, — Only the Hindutva ideologues welcome the anti-conversion law. The Bill to replace the ordinance was rushed through and no meaningful discussion took place on the floor of the House. The Act is a doubleedged weapon and even the most revered Kanchi seers, whose benediction will be taken as an allurement, will not be spared from its rigours.

V. S. Sankaran,

Madurai, T.N.

Sir, — The Act is not an "attack on personal freedom", as the title suggests, but one that restricts the misuse of such personal freedom. It is not an "anti-minority measure," for it is repressive only to the erring members of the minority community. Why suspect the law when it talks of only "forced conversions," which is certainly not guaranteed by the Constitution?

A. V. Ramana Rao,

Chennai

Sir, — No religion, however tolerant, can afford to look on unconcerned when it is denounced by propagandists of other faiths as false and its adherents are seduced by all sorts of questionable means . Such moves must be banned in the interests of individual integrity and social peace.

R. Narayanaswamy,

Secunderabad, A.P.

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