AP Govt to enact Law to nab religious offenders: Minister

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Aug 9 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister J C Diwakar Reddy today said the State Government would enact a Law to take stern action against those, who indulge in propaganda of other religions in the Tirumala Hills, abode of Lord Venkateswara.

Talking to newspersons here, he said desecration and blasphemy deserved to be treated on par with crimes like murder as they hurt the sentiments of followers of other religions.

Mr Reddy said that legal experts were examining the possibility on the issue. The BJP and RSS leaders, were trying to politicise the issue to defame the Government, he alleged.

Recently two persons were caught in the temple township, writing the propaganda of a religion, and shooting the scene with a video camera. They were handed over to the police.

Regarding handing over the forest land to the temple authorities, he said the Cabinet had agreed to the recommendation of the Empowered Committee. The matter, however, has to be decided by the Central Government, he added.

He said the Government had already written to the Centre in this regard.

UNI KNR KVV VA RAI2248