Chhattisgarh Rejects Opposition To Conversion Law

A Hindu nationalist-led government in Chhattisgarh said on Monday it will proceed with a plan to impose strict punishment on anyone found guilty of forcing religious conversions. The decision by the government comes despite protests by Christian groups who said such measures undermined basic freedoms.

The proposed changes to the include a three-year jail term and a 20,000 rupee ($435) fine for those found guilty of forced religious conversion. It also requires that those wishing to convert need to seek the district administrator's permission 30 days in advance.

Christian missionaries have a strong presence in a vast rural forested belt of Chhattisgarh, mainly in the social and education sector. But Chhattisgarh's Bharatiya Janata Party government said it was not possible to make a turnaround on the proposed changes to the act, passed by the state assembly in August and now awaiting the state governor's approval.

For decades, India's Hindu nationalists have accused Christian missionaries of bribing poor tribespeople and lower castes to change their faith. At least three of India's 29 states ruled by the BJP or its allies have already enacted similar laws. There are around 300,000 Christians in Chhattisgarh in a population of 21 million. Christians account for less than 3 percent of India's 1.1 billion population. Hindus make for about 80 percent.

Source: Reuters