HYDERABAD: The State Government will shortly promulgate an ordinance banning propagation of other religions other than Hinduism on Tirumala Hills and other famous Hindu shrines.

It will provide a similar protection to important mosques and churches from intrusions in the form of propaganda by religions other than Islam and Christianity respectively. The ban will be applicable to propaganda of any other religion, by word, spoken or written, visible representation like wall-writing, and distribution of printed material, at a place where one religion is already popular and traditionally practised.

Under the ordinance, such propaganda will be treated as an offence liable for punishment with imprisonment up to three years or with fine of up to Rs. 5,000 or both.

The draft ordinance was approved by the State Cabinet at its meeting here on Friday and will soon be sent to the Governor for approval.

Briefing reporters, Information Minister A. Ramanarayan Reddy said that a notification would be issued after the promulgation of the ordinance, listing the places of temples, churches and mosques where the ban could be applied. It would also clearly mention that the shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala consists of Seven Hills and not just two as was being projected by some groups. The Minister explained that the Government had decided upon promulgating an ordinance as instances of propaganda by other religions on Tirumala had come to its notice.

Attempts for unwarranted intrusion into the domain of one religion in this manner has drawn widespread protests and the situation could lead to disruption of public order and harmony unless such a ban was imposed.

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