Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Sep 10: Activists of Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV) barged into a Christian prayer center on allegations of illegal religious conversion at Anandi Maidan of Nakre in Kukkundoor village of Karkala in the district. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
Devotees of Pragathi Center, which exists since 10 years, were taken aback by the sudden attack of HJV activists. It is alleged that women and children are being converted here to other religion.
It is said that the prayer center does not have any approval from the administration and is led by person called Benedict. Heated argument ensued between the HJV activists and those who were praying in the center. Later, due to the intervention of the police, the situation was brought under control.
Leader of HJV, Prakash Kukkehalli said that for many years religious conversion is going on in the district. Hundreds of Hindus are converted by Christian missionaries.
“HJV is protesting against this issue since a long time. As we had reliable information, we attacked the place. Police have conducted inquiry with the leader of the prayer center. The government has not given permission to celebrate Ganeshotsava in a grand manner. But permission is there for religious conversion in the name of prayer. Covid rules does not apply to people who convert people?” questioned Prakash.
He also said that many religious conversion centers are doing this work in the coastal area. “If police does not take suitable action, we will continue our attacks,” he said.
Speaking to media, Benedict said, “We are not converting anyone here. We only pray. This center is run by Mangaluru’s religious congregation. We do not convert anybody. Some people belonging to other religions also come here to pray. Activists of Hindu Jagarana Vedike rushed in all of a sudden during the prayers today and caused commotion. They have shot videos. They have hurled expletives at women. Conversion is not our work. We were only praying.”
A complaint was filed by the members of the prayer centre at Karkala town station.
It is gathered that a complaint was filed against Benedict earlier also. The prayer centre was being operated in Doopadakatte area earlier.