VHP seeks anti-conversion law in Jharkhand

Ranchi, Oct 13: After a large number of tribals reportedly converted to Christianity in Jharkhand's Gumla district, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has sought an anti-conversion law in the state.

"Anti conversion law should be formulated in Jharkhand. Christian missionaries are silently working on their agenda, converting tribals," VHP leader Pramod Mishra told IANS.

"In the last 15 days, over 300 people belonging to Asur, one of the nine primitive tribes, have been converted to Christianity," he added.

According to sources in the Gumla district administration, around 100 people from Ghaghra and Visunpur blocks embraced Christianity. The local media has said the figure may be more.

The administration has ordered a probe into the reported conversion.

Stating that Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh had anti-conversion laws, the VHP demanded one from the Jharkhand government too. It also sought details about the funding of the missionaries.

Asked about the VHP's 'Ghar Wapsi' (homecoming) programme, Mishra said: "In Ghar Wapsi, people return to their original faith. We do not force people to convert to Hindu religion."

IANS