Pejavar seer begins fast to protest attack on Churches

Udupi, Sep 29 (UNI) Sri Vishvesha Thirtha swamiji the seer of Udupi Pejavar mutt began on a day-long fast this afternoon to protest the recent attacks on places of worships in the Karnataka.

The pontiff, who commenced his 24 hours fasting from noon, told UNI that as he announced earlier, he was undertaking the fast against the 'painful' incidents like attacks on churches and a temple at Yalahanka near Bangalore.

"I want people to practice peace and shun violence. The Centre and the state governments should bring out a law against luring hapless people to conversion. Many organisations may have denied indulging in conversions but appeasing the poor to convert is happening in many places," he said.

He accused that an oranisation in state capital had openly admitted that it funds from foreign countries was flowing into India to induce people to convert to a particular religion.

"It is unfortunate that no one was coming forward to lodge complaint. However, if conversions was done with the consent of the person there was nothing wrong in it," he opined.

But what was happening in the society was fraudulent and forcible conversion with luring the people. This should be opposed, he said.

Replying another query, the seer said there was an urgent need for the centre to take stringent action to contain increasing terror activities which was threatening the life of innocent people in different parts of the country.

UNI MA RS HVB1929