Sangh is in a hurry to convert India into a Hindu Rashtra: PDP

Srinagar, Dec 10: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today condemned the alleged forcible conversion of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh saying the Sangh Parivar was apparently in a hurry to take advantage of BJP's ascendance to power to covert India into a 'Hindu Rashtra'.

"We strongly condemn the alleged forcible conversion of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and the claim of Sangh Parivar to convert hundreds of thousands of more Muslims and Christians to Hinduism. It is a direct assault on the rights of the minorities in the country," senior PDP leader and MP Tariq Hameed Karra said.

Addressing road-side election meetings in Hazratbal Assembly segment here, he said India was a secular country and religion a matter of personal preference.

"But the way Sangh Parivar and its frontal organisations like RSS and Bajrang Dal are aiming at changing demographic picture of the country, it is extremely alarming.

"The Sangh Parivar is apparently in a hurry and is taking advantage of BJP's ascendance to power to convert India into a Hindu Rashtra, an objective that would be resisted by all right thinking people in the country," he said.

Karra said the Sangh has similar designs for Jammu and Kashmir also but the PDP is emerging as the first choice of the people which would ensure that the diverse and inclusive character of the State is preserved at any cost.

"It is sad that (Mahatma) Gandhi's India is being subjected to fascist means for achieving the divisive and disruptive agenda of Sangh Parivar. While religion is a matter of personal preference the Sangh is using coercion and allurements to make people change their faith as has been done with the 200 deprived and hapless Muslims in Madhunagar area of Agra," he said.

PTI