Monitoring reports of mass conversion in India, says US

The US has said it was monitoring the situation closely in India after media reports regarding alleged coercion in mass conversions in the country.

"We are aware of recent reports regarding alleged coercion in mass conversions in India, and are monitoring the situation closely," a State Department spokesperson said.

"We work to promote respect for freedom of religion and belief in all countries around the world. We call on all states to comply with their obligations to protect religious freedom, as per international norms," the spokesperson said in response to a question.

Some Hindutva outfits facilitated a "forced conversion" of about 100 people, mostly Muslim slum dwellers, through a ritual on December 8 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

These groups have also claimed that a large number of such persons were expected to reconvert in several other districts of western Uttar Pradesh as well.