RSS for ban on conversions

NEW DELHI: A resolution demanding a ban on religious conversion was passed by functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the conclusion of its three-day national executive meeting.

The three-day annual meeting concluded at Vishakapatnam on October 19 and about 350 functionaries from 40 sister organisations of the RSS attended the meet.

The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) of the RSS alleged that the Kandhamal violences was owing to "Missionary infused socio-economic rivalry between the Kandh tribals and the converted scheduled caste group Panas."

The body alleged that animistic beliefs, identity and culture of the tribals was under severe threat as state authorities turned a blind eye to conversions which has increased the number of Christian population six fold between 1961 and 2001 at Kandhamal.

In Karnataka, the ABKM alleged that missionaries were engaged in "aggressive proselytising" blasphemous propaganda against Hindu deities.

The RSS also said that it was a peaceful and social organisation. ABKM member and spokesperson Ram Madhav told PTI, "We are social organisation which neither supports or sponsors such activities," referring to the recent violence.

Elaborating on his point Madhav said that Bajrang Dal's Karnataka state secretary Mahendra Kumar was expelled from the membership of the organisation.

"We were shocked to hear him telling on television channels as to how he mobilised a mob and attacked Christian prayer halls. We do not support such actions and he was relieved of his position," said Madhav.