Hindu groups demand ban on conversions

While Christians are yet to recover of violence unleashed on its community, a Hindu radical group is mulling over bringing a ban on religious conversion.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the conclusion of its three–day national executive meeting at Vishakapatnam passed a resolution demanding a ban on Christian groups and missionary activities in the country.

The October 19 meeting was attended by about 350 functionaries from 40 sister organisations of RSS, BJP, VHP and the Bajrang Dal.

According to the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS, the Kandhamal violences were due to "Missionary infused socio–economic rivalry between the Kandh tribals and the converted scheduled caste group Panas."

It alleged that animistic beliefs, identity and culture of the tribals was under threat and this led to an increase in conversions by missionaries.

In addition, ABKM said, missionaries were engaged in "aggressive proselytising" blasphemous propaganda against Hindu deities.

ABKM member and spokesperson Ram Madhav said, "We are social organisation which neither supports or sponsors such activities," referring to the recent violence.

Madhav further said "they are against any violence" and Bajrang Dal's Karnataka state secretary Mahendra Kumar who claimed responsibility was expelled from the membership of the organisation.

"We were shocked to hear him telling on television channels as to how he mobilised a mob and attacked Christian prayer halls. We do not support such actions and he was relieved of his position," said Madhav.

Following violence on Orissa Christians, the VHP and Bajrang Dal were involved in attacks on over 20 prayer halls in Southern Karnataka that led to a call for ban on Hindu extremist groups, including the Bajrang Dal.