BHATKAL: Condemning the religious conversions being organised by some outfits in the country, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said his government would not allow communal elements to disturb the peace in the state. “If any group attempts to do so, it will be punished severely,” he warned.
After Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) programmes in some northern states, Hindu outfits have turned their attention to the communally-sensitive Udupi where they plan a similar drive. It is said they have initiated moves to reach out to those who want to ‘reconvert’ to Hinduism from Islam and Christianity.
Addressing a gathering at the centenary programme of Majlis Islah Wa Tanzeem here, Siddaramaiah indirectly targeted the groups campaigning for religious conversion. “If people fail to curb such communal power, the country will not remain united. Hence, people of all religions should punish those who are sowing the seeds of communalism,” he said.
Conversion by people of any religion is condemnable and followers of all religions should protest such acts, he added. Siddaramaiah said building a secular society should be the priority of all governments.
Referring to terrorism, he said it was not a solution to the existing problems.
The chief minister asked the people of the minority communities to live in the state peacefully without fear. “This is your land and our land,” he said.