Pics: Justin D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi(HB)
Udupi, Aug 27: Vishwa Hindu Parishad divisional secretary Sharan Pumpwell demanded the arrest of two persons for allegedly converting people from other religions at a press meet held here on Tuesday, August 27.
Sharan mentioned that Pradeep Kotian from Udyavar was converted.
Sharan said that Pradeep has given a statement that he was forced to convert by two people who are missionaries. He alleged that Pradeep was tortured and a video was recorded. The missionaries allegedly threatened to make the video viral, if Pradeep did not convert, he said.
A complaint regarding the same has been lodged at Mulky Police Station, he informed.
Sharan alleged that the missionaries are giving wrong statements regarding a particular religion. He demanded a ban on a website belonging to the prayer centre run by these missionaries.
“We have heard that the forceful conversion of people is happening quite often in some prayer centres of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. This is a systematic conspiracy and a probe should be held. All religious centres need to be checked. People should support in order to prevent such kind of religious conversion,” he added.
“We will pressurize the Central government, which is led by Narendra Modi on enforcing anti-conversion bill. There are many families who have become victims of forced conversion. There are chances of students being brainwashed. The missionaries will extend financial support for poor children in order to study. Later on, they will force them to change religion. Poor people are the target for them and they lure with education and hostel facilities. If any such incidents are reported, people should bring it to the notice of Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and police station,” Sharan concluded.
Sunil K R, region correspondent of Bajrang Dal, Pramod, district president, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Santhosh Suvarna Bolje, secretary and Dinesh Mendon, district convener were present.