Terming “dangerous” the Ghar Vapsi programme of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said stern action will be taken in cases of forcible conversion.
Stating that no case of forcible conversion had been reported recently in the State, Mr. Chennithala said a person, under Article 25 of the Constitution, was free to practise one’s religion.
However, the police would initiate firm action if the constitutional provision was violated, he said after inaugurating the 130th anniversary of the Indian National Congress and the Nehru Jyothi Prayanam hosted by the Kasaragod District Congress Committee here on Saturday.
Admitting the presence of Maoists in the State, the Home Minister said threats from such extremist forces could be warded off with the support of local people.
VS’s stanceStaff Reporter writes from Alappuzha: Leader of the Opposition V.S Achuthanandan has said the religious conversions being organised by the Sangh Parivar must be “countered with due seriousness”.
Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, Mr. Achuthanandan said the conversion programmes such as ‘Ghar Vapsi’ were increasingly gaining prominence with Narendra Modi, a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), becoming the Prime Minister.
Social backwardness“Conversions were being undertaken by exploiting the social backwardness of various sections, including the Dalits. The police force as well as the media had the responsibility to uncover the reality behind the ongoing campaign. However, the police were justifying such activities, instead of probing whether they were being carried out forcibly. The secular fabric of the country is at stake,” he said.
