Police stops church event after Adityanath's HYV alleges conversion


Maharajganj (UP), Apr 8 (PTI): Police stopped a church event attended by more than 150 people, including 10 American tourists, here after the right-wing Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) alleged that religious conversion was being carried out.

The event was stopped after the youth brigade, set up in 2002 by Yogi Adityanath, now the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, filed a complaint against Yohannan Adam, the pastor of the church, accusing him of converting Hindus to Christianity, a charge the pastor denied.

SHO, Dathauli, Anand Kumar Gupta said no prior permission was taken for the meeting, which was held ahead of Good Friday. "We stopped the prayer meeting after a complaint was registered. A probe is underway and appropriate action will be taken if the charges are found to be correct," he said.

Dathauli falls in Maharajganj district in eastern Uttar Pradesh. It borders Gorakhpur, the Lok Sabha constituency represented five times by Adityanath before he took over the reins of Uttar Pradesh.

Gupta said mass was held there quite often but as this time foreigners were involved, the HYV suspected that conversion was going on. The US tourists, including a few women, were let off after police checked their travel documents.

A US embassy spokesperson said, "We are aware of the news reports concerning this incident. The protection of American citizens overseas is our highest priority."The spokesperson didn't elaborate due to "privacy concerns".

HYV leader Krishna Nandan, who surrounded the church with his supporters yesterday afternoon, said that the "presence of US nationals indicates that innocent and illiterate Hindus were being converted by missionaries who lured them with money to change their religion".

The HYV members dispersed after police promised a probe and adequate action even as the church authorities dismissed allegations of conversion. "The charges are absolutely baseless. The people were attending a prayer meeting voluntarily. We prayed. Nothing else was done," pastor Adam said.

The Hindu right wing has been at loggerheads with Christian missionaries, accusing them of converting people through coercion and allurement. Several Hindu organisations have conducted 'ghar wapsi' or homecoming of such people, which minority groups say is a couched term for re-conversion.

Earlier this year, HYV activists had attacked the Full Gospel Church in Gorakhpur, accusing it of indulging in religious conversion. At Christmas last year, the HYV had warned Christian priests from holding any religious function outside churches.

HYV, which has a widespread network in eastern Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that Hindus are lured to Christianity through religious functions. "We have received several inputs that Christian preachers and priests hold such religious ceremonies in rural areas and secret locations in which Hindus are brought and motivated to join Christianity, through allurements including cash. We will not let this happen," HYV president Sunil Singh alleged.

"They can hold their prayers inside churches or their homes but not any place outside. We have alerted the district administration in various places about such ceremonies slated to be held and if such functions do happen, churches would not be safe," he warned.

Singh said HYV has a youth member in each village in various districts of eastern Uttar Pardesh and keeps getting inputs about such happenings.

  

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Comment on this article

  • John Tauro, M'luru / Kwt

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Over the years these fanatical fringe organizations have been accusing missionaries of forced conversions. Irony is humanitarian, welfare and charitable activities are deemed as conversion or are being done with the sole intention of conversion. In 1999 an Australian missionary and his 2 sons were mercilessly burnt alive on mere suspicion. Nobody has ever proved conversion was made by force or by lure of money. If they have evidence to prove that conversions had taken place by force or by paying money, why don’t they take appropriate legal action?

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Emi, Brighton

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    IF AMERICANS GIVES GREEN CARD TO THE CONVERTED ONES. MANY HINDUS WILL CONVERT.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Emi, Brighton

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    THOGADIA AND YOGI WILL ALSO CONVERT. IF THEY GET GREEN CARD.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Beowulf, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    India will never be a superpower. This is simply because we are bogged down by too many religious issues.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • sunny, pangla

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    if your faith is strong no one can convert you.... you formed a wing as a guard means your faith is weak and you believe your peoples faith is also weak.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    As suspected step 3 after meat ban and anti Romeo, the next step had to be church prosecution . What will happen if American cops stop Hindu festivals in America when presence of Indian citizen is proved.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Please send in more missionaries, the world has seen enough cow time to move ahead .

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Stan, Udupi/Dubai

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    They are demeaning their own religion when they do acts like this.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Why is India still a third world when our counterpart china has already developed? Oh and Christianity is the fastest growing religion in china just so you all know .

    DisAgree [4] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • MN, Mangalore

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    The day human beings stop misusing religion and practice religion within 4 wall of their home, humanity will flourish. God do not ask which religion one belongs. Religion may not have particular name. Service to humanity is the greatest religion, again it should not be linked to anything else. If you give with your right hand, the left hand should be ignorant. Applicable to all "isms".....

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anand, Karkala

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Manushya ko kabhi bhi samay se pehle aur bhagya se adhik kuch bhi prapt nahi hota. Even after by conversion from one Belief to other...

    DisAgree [12] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Emi, Brighton

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    AFTER YOGI TOLD THAT HINDU IS NOT A RELIGION. MANY PEOPLE ARE CONVERTING TO OTHER RELIGIONS.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Devkumar, Mangana Oor/New Delhi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    why foreigners much interested to do mass in india...why not in african countries.
    if wants to help anybody keep religion aside..why to convert.them.
    did anybody told...convert than help. at last what you people are going to achieve.
    all religions teach how to live in india. good or bad in one's life is decided by angels.

    DisAgree [38] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harish Hegde, Mangalorè/Aramco

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Dev FYI nobody asked me to get converted when I was schooling at St Aloysius, did anyone asked you to get converted? By the way where did you go to school?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Harish
    Just because you did not encountered something, you readily certify the whole community? isn't it bizarre?

    When you get time, pl go through a face book page or twitter named as NoConversion. it has live videos of these events. you judge yourself on what is going around, rather than hearing it from someone else..

    DisAgree [12] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, KSA

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Harish, he studied in Manganna school of darkness in African Jungle.

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mulki

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Looks like you already gave judgement on this issue .If you or I as grown-ups choose any religion it is nobody's business to poke his nose in that matter and secondly why these right wing orgs who claim to be our protectors as well as cows think that all our brothers are poor and illiterate? On the other hand they must realize 'THEY' are illiterate.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, KSA

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Darkness is afraid of light . Lie is afraid of truth. Jesus said " I am sending you like sheep among wolves. You will be persecuted in my name". Jesus was persecuted and they thought they won without knowing that Jesus defeated the death and rose again on third day. We are lucky to experience these persecutions which is a test for our faith. Stand firm, cling to your cross and accept the persecution as a gift. They can destroy our mortal body, but, certainly not our spirit and our true faith. Eventually, the reward is ours. Praise the Lord.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, KSA

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    MANGANNA, PEOPLE REQUIRE HUMAN BRAIN TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY TEMPLES IN CHRISTIAN COUNTRIES AND CHRISTIAN PEOPLE OVER THERE RESPECT PEOPLE OF ALL RELIGION AS HUMAN BEINGS AND NOT LIKE MANGANNA. IT IS ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING WEAK FAITH ARE OPPOSING AND DISRESPECTING OTHER RELIGIONS. UNFORTUNATELY, TO UNDERSTAND THIS, MANGANNA AND LIKEWISE PEOPLE REQUIRE HUMAN BRAIN TO BE INSTALLED IN THEIR TOP FLOOR.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Adityanath's HYV seems overly concerned and hyped about conversion. Fanatism is generally like that.
    But to be frank, I don't believe in anybody preaching without living by what they preach.
    Lord Jesus Christ said in his own words, no one can come to me unless my father in heaven sends him to me.
    If God sends, no human can stop. Name sake are are of no use, whether here or there! No power on earth can stop ones genuine faith!
    We have to spread the love of God through our life! Otherwise it is hollow, deceiving!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Emi, Brighton

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    THERE ARE MANY HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA GROUPS IN UK. WHO ARE CONVERTING PEOPLE.

    AND HINDU IS NOT A RELIGION TO CONVERT TO.

    YOGI ADITYANATH HIMSELF TOLD THAT HINDU IS NOT A RELIGION.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Bander Kya Jane Easter Kya Hota Hai ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • cyril mathias, udupi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Attacks on Christians and Muslims will be a regular feature in UP,as the wolves have a free run in the present dispensation.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ruben Pinto, Mangalore/Australia

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Would public bajans along roadside pendals also constitute an attempt at conversion?

    DisAgree [1] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jez, Tunisia, Amolosia, Kenya

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Lol... The right wingers in Asian countries, western backed atheists countries and 85% of western liberal as well as Arab countries think intimidating and clamping down Christian beliefs will lead to Christians denouncing their faith. Even Russia between 1920-1988 after Stalin banned Christianity and demolished Christianity is today 99% Christian population .. Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and majority gulf countries tried to ban Christianity. Funnily for the past two months after the fall of Mosul, the Muslims themselves starting building Churches for free and have erected huge four story high crosses at all main roads in Iraq just in two months time.. Bottom line, Christianity is one religion that teaches its followers that no matter even in point of death, you will nit convert to other religion.. Proof: Even after severe persecution in Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan the Christian converts increase.. It's a losing battle they are fighting, intimidation wont help, just like China banned crosses just to realize that North China defied ban and you see more churches these days

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Some one rightly said the church thrives under persecution. The more they try to stop us the more Christianity shall flourish .

    DisAgree Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Now in India ,there is a new dimension of certain groups of people hunting whoever it is ,praying in church,or homes saying they are converting.First they should proove it and then complain.how sad ,one is not allowed to pray even in churches.whatever the confession of people ,why should others object ?Dont we have the freedom of religion in democratic country.?when one is doing wrong,,for example ,by force converting,show it,let the converted people tell it.Only then one can file the case.Everywhere putting the nose and hunting is not tolerated.why should be prayed only in churches?we do pray in house .why it is not allowed?Are we in Afghanistan ?What about when they convert christians to Hindus to marry a hindu?Instead of living together all religions,without much problem,give them the freedom to everyone what they want to practice their religion.I of course condemn of practising forced conversion.But one cant convert anyone without their own will.let them give in written whoever converts that he does it with own will.then no problem,others shouldnt interfere.Police too must first listen to people,not only groups who come and attack.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Agee, India - UAE

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Stopping Prayer service is absolutely wrong... Ultimately God is God. Christianity doesn't encourage or believe in any force conversion. Any force conversion should be dealt according to law. If someone is willing to convert by self then it's nobodys business

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • juliana, udupi

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Why people interfere in others affairs unless banned by law of the land?

    DisAgree Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • HENRY MISQUITH, Bahrain

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    If this conversion is taking place by luring people by offering incentives is absolutely wrong.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Krishna Kant, Mangalore/Moodbidri

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Henry so all the time they give money to convert the people? if yes then I won't say anything but if no then why did you post this comment as if you believe it?

    DisAgree [11] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Not just money but dirty tricks hypnotize being applied in many cases - the live videos from different cities are in NoConversion facebook and twitter...

    The good hindus must condemn nityanandas and asaram bapus amongst us..
    Same way good christinans must condemn fraud missionsaries exposed in NoCoversion and many other pages.
    I don't think any gods exppet its followes to sell religion in such cheap ways..

    DisAgree [14] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Leslie, udupi

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    I wonder why does anyone need to convert anyone?
    Instead concentrate on the ones who are already a part...
    And keep them intact...
    Religious beliefs are totally left to adult individuals...
    All religions preach peace...
    Let us live in harmony and with greater tolerance than before...
    For no one yet can prove with conviction what happens to a person once breathes last...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Swamy, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    But if these Americans convert to Hinduism then it is ok, right???. But where is Ghar Waapsi then???.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [52] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Burnol moements???

    Ameraican who are getting converted are usually educated people, be it Julia Roberts, Ford, Beatles, whoever..

    In India these frauds target only poorest of the poor and those not educated..

    Educated person takes educated decision.. poor guys take based on monitory benefits. matter is clear

    DisAgree [21] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mario, Lalbagh Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    India must ban these small Christian groups​as they pay people to convert. In Mangalore too so many are there.

    DisAgree [39] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mulki

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Please.file a police complaint with EVIDENCE... Talking in air only creates chaos and disharmony...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Pathetic nat.....

    DisAgree [6] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Swamy, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Is this BJP still nervous and insecure after claiming self glory on Surgical Strikes, Demonitisation and whatever nonsense?. Looks like they have lost faith in EVMs too. The event is taking place in thier own turf. Only a fool will think of conducting these alleged activities there if at all proved. BTW is this Yogi going back on his first throne speech "Development to all appeasement to none".

    DisAgree [8] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Usually Swamies are knowledgeable and talk sense and spread goodness.

    These days society has enough Kalla Swamys who have no clue what they speak

    DisAgree [9] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Udupi

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    and your namesake just reminded me of that... LOL

    DisAgree [5] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • EMI, BRIGHTON

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    IS YOGI A HINDU, HE ONLY TOLD THAT HINDU IS NOT A RELIGION.

    THEN WHAT IS THEIR PROBLEM.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri, Karkala

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    I think our adhaar card should carry our religion and nationality info.

    People should not be allowed to change their religion for convince or benefits

    DisAgree [56] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Can people change nationalities for better life running to Christian countries or should they be kicked back ???

    DisAgree [7] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohammed, Bajpe/Riaydh

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Chris, Firstly, you have to thouroughly understand the difference between 'western Christians' and Indian Christians, and how the indians became christians.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chris, Tel Aviv

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    For your information Indians had Christian population even before Europe accepted Christianity , just for the sake of commenting don't comment.

    DisAgree Agree Report Abuse

  • sri, Karkala

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Once upon a time Portuguese Vascodagama entered India without Visa for his better life. After some 100 years even Brits followed his path and they entered India. And at that time Vijayanagar emperor from Hampi was ruling India. Now tell me who came to India for what reason..

    DisAgree [13] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • sri, Karkala

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    Are you looking for excuses to justify conversion?

    DisAgree [16] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mulki

    Sun, Apr 09 2017

    To begin with all human beings were cave men.Then the religions came to bring in civilization.Now the civilized human beings are arguing about from where and since when they became Hindu Christian Muslim or any other without even realizing that they are behaving worse than the cave man..Mr Sri let's remember that discriminatory talk on religion or racial lines is the beginning of end.Lets not encourage it...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [16] Report Abuse

  • EMI, BRIGHTON

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    HOW CAN U CHANGE THEIR HEART, IF ONE BELIEVES THAT HE WANTS TO CONVERT TO MUSLIM OR CHRISTAIN.

    NOBODY CAN STOP U. U CAN CONVERT IN HEART.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajesh, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Mr What is your problem if a Muslim convert to Hinduism. Why do you people put apostates to death. Do you support or oppose Saudi Arabia sharia rule of putting apostates to death? No Tabitha please want a straight answer.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Adityanath Yogi is our future PM.
    HIV is secondary ...

    DisAgree [20] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • flavian dsouza, chik/bengaluru

    Sat, Apr 08 2017

    Let police handle these issues and law and order prevail ..anyone just accusing and blaming does not help. Detain if they are found doing anything against the constitution . Remember there are many hindu organisations like hare rama hare krishna very popular in US and other countries and there maybe a back lash and thats the reason there were many incidents of attacks on indians in the last few months in america

    DisAgree [5] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Police stops church event after Adityanath's HYV alleges conversion



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