The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) for a probe into the illegal religious conversion of Hindus to Christianity in Keonjhar district.
The direction came on a petition filed by Angul-based Human Rights Watch secretary Sangita Swain alleging that 300 Christian pastors were engaged in converting the Hindus to Christianity forcibly in Keonjhar district.
last month the petitioner had moved the Apex human rights watchdog alleging that villagers of Kendua, Upar Raiguda, Upar Radhua, Nalapanga, Kantapada are converting to Christianity forcibly by the pastors.
“Now 300 pastors are moving in the district of Keonjhar with a motive to convert Hindus to Christianity either by luring or forcing them violating their human rights. Since last few years such activities are rampant due to the inaction and unlawful action by the police and public authorities,” the petitioner contended.
Swain had prayed the commission to take criminal action against the person involved in the conversion, aware on the conversion and measures to stop the illegal activities.
The NHRC transferred the complaint to OHRC u/s 13(6) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 with the request for disposal of the case in accordance with the law.