ASIA/INDIA - Hindu extremists demand an anti-conversion law in Jharkhand

Ranchi (Agenzia Fides) - Hindu extremist groups have begun a campaign to promote the adoption of a new "anti-conversion law" in the Indian state of Jharkhand, in north central India. As Fides learns, after the news of the conversion to Christianity of 300 tribals in the district of Gumla, Jharkhand, the Hindu extremist group "Vishwa Hindu Parishad" (VHP) have initiated the mobilization for a measure along the lines of those existing in other Indian states, such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and others. "It is urgent to approve an anti-conversion law in Jharkhand, where Christian missionaries are quietly carrying out the conversions of tribals", said the leader of the VHP, Pramod Mishra. The VHP has announced that it will continue to organize the "Ghar Wapsi", public celebrations of "conversion", in which the tribals return to their original faith.
The radical Hindu groups have called for a law that bans conversions also at a federal level, but in recent months the Federal Minister for Urban Development, M. Venkaiah Naidu stated that "the federal government has no intention to present an anti-conversion law", such as those in force in some states. According to the Indian Catholic Church, these decrees, that say they want to protect religious freedom, however penalize freedom of conscience. They, he adds, are contrary to the Constitution, which guarantees freedom for every citizen to practice, profess and spread their religion". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/10/2015)

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religious freedom

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religious minorities

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conversion

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