The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Many swamijis demand law against forcible conversion

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Many swamijis demand law against forcible conversion

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY: Swamijis marching to the Raj Bhavan in protest against terrorist attacks and forcible conversions, in Bangalore on Saturday.

BANGALORE: Heads of several Hindu Maths took out a padayatra from Basava Bhavan to the Raj Bhavan here on Saturday and submitted a memorandum to Governor Rameshwar Thakur condemning “forcible conversions” in the State.

The religious heads demanded enactment of a law to prevent forcible conversions. They noted that Orissa and Madhya Pradesh governments had enacted such laws. They alleged that conversions were taking place in the State forcibly and also through monetary inducements.

At the same time, they condemned the attacks on places of Christian worship and welcomed the Government’s decision to order a judicial inquiry into the episode. Several swamijis, including Visvesha Thirtha of Pejawar Math and Mahanta Shivacharya of Vibhuthipura Math participated in the procession under Karnataka State Pontiffs’ Co-ordination Committee.

Ministers Ramachandra Gowda and R. Ashok met the swamijis had congregated, and received a memorandum.

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