Prayagraj, Feb 3 (IANS): After announcing that it would end 'forced conversions' by 2024, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has now identified 30 places in eight districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh where alleged religious conversions by Christian missionaries are taking place.

Some of the identified districts include Sonebhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi city, Varanasi rural, Prayagraj, Kaushambhi, Amethi and Jaunpur.

The list was compiled on the basis of feedback received from VHP activists of these places.

The VHP will now start a massive exercise to woo back the Hindus who have taken up Christianity.

According to VHP leader, Ambrish Singh, "Checking religious conversion was one of the core issues that the VHP has been working on for the past several years and now after the way for construction of Ram temple has been cleared, we have turned focus on this issue."

He said that VHP activists will now accompany saints to all such places where Hindus have embraced Christianity.

Besides, massive public awareness programmes, including religious discourses, Ved Vidyalays (schools of ancient scriptures) and hospitals for the Hindus are also likely to be opened up by VHP cadres in the identified areas.

Singh said: "These decisions were taken during a two-day meeting of 'Dharam Prasar' (religious propagation) of VHP held in the ongoing Magh Mela."

VHP's working president Alok Kumar had said at the meeting that religious conversions were due to weakening of bond between Hindus and the Sanatan Dharma.

"Every Hindu family should strictly follow religious traditions and not copy the west. On a birthday of a Hindu child, family members should visit a temple and perform puja instead of singing birthday song and cutting birthday cake."

Meanwhile, the Bishop of Lucknow Diocese, Church of North India (CNI) Father Peter Baldev, said he had no idea of any religious conversions taking place anywhere in the country.

"The CNI, Lucknow Diocese has not sent anyone to conduct any religious conversion as embracing a religion is one's personal choice. Attending a prayer meeting or preaching the Gospel does not amount to conversion," he stated.