Karnataka CM asserts 'conversions' real; opposition protests

Amid the rising persecution against Christians in the state of Karnataka, Chief Minister B S Yedyurappa feels the charges of proselytisation are real, but warned people against taking law into their hands.

"The Constitution allows us freedom of religion. The incidents of distribution of religious literature and conversions have come to our notice. We have also received complaints in this regard,'' the CM told reporters here on Tuesday.

There has been reports that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been mulling over enacting an anti–conversion law in the state similar to those in Gujarat and Orissa.

Yedyurappa speaking to reporters said the government was exploring reasons for conversion and even expressed his disapproval for bringing an anti–conversion law in a peace loving state like Karnataka.

However, the CM warned people taking the law into their hands to protest conversions. "We are committed to protecting all communities in the state. Everybody has a right to peaceful existence. If anyone has a complaint against conversions, let them do it legally. If they take the law into their hands, then the government will not tolerate it,'' he said.

An opposition party in the state meanwhile has challenged the government to disclose the details of alleged conversions to Christianity in the state.

Opposition Janata Dal (Secular) president H.D. Deve Gowda on Wednesday asked the government to substantiate the claims of religious conversions that took place during the 100–days Yeddyurappa’s rule.

Gowda told journalists that the Chief Minister was supporting the attackers instead of taking action against those who caused violence in churches and Christian prayer halls. "He should tell people how many people were converted and where conversions took place."

Gowda alleged that the government was turning the state into a "Hindutva laboratory." He said if the government failed order a judicial probe by a High Court judge, his party would hold demonstrations. "We will take the issue to its logical end."

In a big relief to the Christians, the National Minorities Commission has not found any instance of conversions in the violence hit areas.

Its chairman Mohammed Shafi Qureshi said that anti–social forces, across the country, were spreading the canard against the community that they were indulging in forced conversions.

Qureshi told reporters that they would visit DK district and will later submit a detailed report to the Prime Minister.