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A Christian organisation has sought police protection for the community and its places of worship during Christmas celebrations in the wake of recent attacks.
While Sangh Parivar outfits have been targeting Christian places of worship, the anti-conversion law that has come into effect in the state has led to arrests of members of the community for alleged proselytisation.
Akhila Bharath Christha Mahasabha sought police protection across Karnataka as the past year witnessed several instances of members of Sangh Parivar outfits barging in and disturbing prayers alleging forced conversions of Hindus.
“We submitted a memorandum to the director-general of police as we fear attacks on our community, our places of worship and events like Christmas carols. The anti-conversion law has only made things difficult for us since even an innocent activity like singing carols or presenting Christmas gifts could be misconstrued as an attempt to lure someone into our religion,” Prajwal Swamy, president of the city-based organisation, told The Telegraph on Friday.
“The police department has assured us that the matter would be communicated to district chiefs and then to the local police stations,” he said.
The current dispensation helmed by Basavaraj Bommai had first taken the ordinance route to enforce The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Ordinance, 2022, in May. The act passed in September replaced the ordinance.
“Five persons have been arrested last month under this law and we fear that any Christmas-related activity could be misinterpreted as attempts to proselytise. So we want adequate protection for our community, our places of worship and our events,” said Swamy.
This story was originally published in telegraphindia.com . Read the full story here