Songadh prayer meeting draws Hindu outfits’ ire

A mass prayer meeting organised by Christian missionaries at Gunsada village in Songadh taluka of Tapi district has snowballed into controversy after saffron outfits alleged that the programme aims at converting Hindu tribals into Christians.

The three-day event, organised by Dakshin Gujarat Khristi Mandal, began on Friday.

Fathers and pastors from different parts of the country and world are attending it. More than five lakh people are expected attend the meeting.

Saffron outfits alleged that the main aim behind programme is mass conversion.

“If this is just a prayer meeting, then why are they inviting people and priests from different states? Is this not a kind of Shakti Pradarshan? We feel that only 50% of those participating are Christians, remaining will be converted from Hinduism,” said Mahipal Thakur, president of Dharma-Jagran Manch.

The district administration has asked organisers to prevent any act that could provoke communal hatred.

Organisers said that the event is just a prayer ceremony. “These are totally baseless allegations. We organise such programmes regularly in the country, where all Christian followers offer prayer to God. Nobody is forced to participate in the programme,” said a member of All India Christian Council.