Participants of the convention were forcefully stopped by the right-wing extremist group and were taken to Moghat Police Station after a ruckus.
TCN Staff Correspondent
BHOPAL (MADHYA PRADESH) — Christian organisations in Madhya Pradesh on Friday (October 7) observed a “black day” across the state by wearing black ribbons and dresses against ongoing persecution and violence against the religious minority.
The latest in the series was an incident that took place yesterday (October 7) when a Catholic Youth Convention, to be held between October 2-5 in Khandwa, was called off following an objection by the Bajrang Dal — which alleged “forced conversions”.
Participants of the convention were forcefully stopped by the right-wing extremist group and were taken to Moghat Police Station after a ruckus.
“We got to know in Khargone that innocent tribal children, who are Hindus, have been converted to Christianity and are being taken to a school in Khandwa for religious teachings. It happens every year. Therefore, we had to intervene and stop them for questioning. Apart from Khandwa, people from other districts of the state were also stopped from attending the convention,” said a Bajrang Dal member.
Father Jose, the organiser of the event, said Catholic Christians from Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani and Burhanpur districts were invited to the convention.
“A career counselling to give tips regarding personality and skill development was scheduled to be held during the three days. But sadly, it could not happen,” he said.
When asked about the incident, Moghat Police Station Incharge Ishwar Singh said all participants were set free after questioning. “Bajrang Dal’s allegations were found to be baseless; and therefore, no FIR was lodged,” he added.
When asked why the convention was called off, he said, “The organisers had formally informed the administration about the event but not obtained proper permission for the same. Therefore, it was called off.”
According to the United Christian Forum, 19 incidents of violence against Christian minorities have been reported in Madhya Pradesh so far since January this year. A total of 39 such cases had been recorded in the previous year.
It further said the police had arrested 16 Christians in the last eight months of this year on “false allegation” of forceful conversion. In addition, it said, six believers were physically assaulted, while 11 religious assemblies were denied permission by the concerned authorities.