VHP seeks law for ban on conversions

CHANDIGARH: Noting that religious conversions were posing a threat to the existence of Hindus, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday demanded enactment of a law to ban such practises in the country.

Talking to reporters here, VHP leader Ashok Singhal said those people who had come from abroad to engineer conversions in the country should be sent back.

"Strict action should be taken against such persons," he said without naming anyone.

"We will work with our might to stop conversions," he said and referred to the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh enacting a law to ban conversions.

Other states, including Punjab should also follow suit, he said.

He maintained that it was a crime to ask people to leave Hinduism and adopt other religions through forced conversions.

Expressing concern at the rise in female foeticide cases in the country, he alleged it is part of a conspiracy to reduce the population of Hindus.

Singhal said the controversial anti-Muslim CD, allegedly circulated by the BJP and banned by the Election Commission in view of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, should be shown to the entire country.