800 Valmikis ‘convert’ to Islam to save their homes

To save their homes from demolition, around 800 Valmikis in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh converted to Islam on Tuesday, reported an English daily.

According to report, Valmikis were fighting civic authorities to save their houses.

A few days ago, civic authorities allegedly painted red marks on their houses, which created a panic situation among people. According to Valmikis, the demolition of their houses would pave for building a mall in the area which is said to have the backing of UP minister Azam Khan.

Also read: How religious conversions can be countered without violence

Quoting Azam Khan’s media-in-charge Fasahat Ali Khan, the report said, "Those converting to Islam should clearly understand that this is not going to help them in any manner. Encroachment of public land in any form by any community is totally unacceptable. In Rampur, the majority of those evicted from government lands are Muslims."

Report further added, "Valmiki families went ahead with their self-announced conversion amid heavy police deployment. They sported skull caps and declared that they were henceforth to be considered Muslim.

According to Indian Express report, "The district administration, in a press release, has stated that there are no plans to demolish the houses or to relocate the affected families. The DM also claimed that an enquiry has been instituted."