Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Sep 28: “Forcible religious conversions are not taking place in any of the prayer centres belonging to the Christian community. In case, if such a thing is happening, has the police department given permission to right wing groups to raid directly? If the police department has not given any permission, then why not a suo moto case be filed on such groups?” questioned Prashant Jathanna, president of Federation of Udupi district Indian Christian Rights.
Jathanna was speaking at the press conference that was organized at the press club in the city. He further said, “Of late, in Karnataka, accusation of religious conversion is being heard frequently. It is condemnable that without any evidence this kind of false rumours are created and society is poisoned. Christian community is always against forcible conversion or enticing someone into conversion.
“The Christian community started educational institutions in the country with the intention of creating good citizens in the society. Crores of Indian have got education in Christian educational institutions. None of the institution has said that we will provide you education if you get converted to Christianity.
“Recently at the prayer center in Karkala, no such incident has taken place as projected. Anyone can go to prayer center of any religion for peace of mind.
“It is really unfortunate that some organizations raided a prayer center in Karkala recently and gave statement that they done this in cooperation with the police department and the police department did not take any action on them.
“If these organizations have genuine feelings on the downtrodden, then they should first stop treating them like untouchables. The government has to take suitable action and prevent such occurrences in future. The recent Karkala incident should be investigated,” he said.
Dr Neri Cornelio, president IFKCA, Lewis Lobo, honorary president IFKCA, Robert Menezes Karkala, Peter Danti, secretary Indian Christian Federation, Gladson Karkada, convener Indian Christian Federation, and Thomas Suarez, trustee, SMOS Cathedral Brahmavar were present.