In the backdrop of the growing attacks on churches in different parts of the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday promised full support to the minorities, but also questioned the practice of religious conversions and called for separating social service from change of faith.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of State Minorities Commissions, the Home Minister said: “There are sometimes rumours and controversies about ‘Ghar Wapsi’ and conversions. Why should there be any conversions at allIJ In other countries it is the minorities which ask for anti-conversion law. Here, we are only saying that there should be an anti-conversion law. There should be debate over it. We must think of bringing an anti-conversion law. I humbly request all of you to think over it.”
The Home Minister’s remarks on conversions assume significance in the midst of controversy over anti-conversion campaign undertaken by Hindutva organisations and comments by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding Mother Teresa.
“Why can’t we serve the people without doing conversionIJ Those who want to serve the people should do so without engaging in conversion. Can’t we find a solution to the problemIJ” asked the Home Minister.
“The issue was even raised in Parliament. Many people said the Government should do something about it. But I think society also has a role. Society too has a responsibility... Can’t we respect each other’s faithIJ What is the necessity of conversionIJ Can’t a religion survive without indulging in conversion,” the Home Minister said during his hour-long speech.
The Home Minister said he would like to request all State Governments to take the strongest possible action for the protection of minorities. “I want to tell the whole country, even though law and order is a State subject, I will do everything for the protection of minorities. I will go to any extent for this. I say this in the name of God,” he said.
Singh also raised the issue of fear among certain sections about a possible demographic change in the country and said the basic character of the country should not be allowed to change.
“If we go to the US and try to hurt the identity of that country, will they accept itIJ Why do we want to change their identityIJ There should not be any such attempt. How can a country like India allow changes in its demographic profile and characterIJ let India’s character remain the same,” he said.
Singh alleged that the sense of insecurity among the minorities prevailed during the rule of Congress-led UPA. “If anyone can end the sense of insecurity among the minorities, it is the Narendra Modi-led NDA Government. We have to turn the sense of insecurity into a sense of security. For a Government or a Home Minister, ending insecurity of minorities is the biggest challenge,” he said.
“While preaching our respective religion, can’t we live with brotherhoodIJ Why do we have to engage in conversionIJ What is the needIJ Conversion cannot be anyone’s goal. let all people preach their respective religion and live peacefully. Many people may not agree with what I am saying. You may have a different opinion and I respect that,” he said.
Singh said India is the only country where people of all religions are found. “The Parsi community had to leave their own land Iran. They are living in India with peace, prosperity and dignity for ages,” he said.
A documentation of Jews has suggested that India is the only country where the community does not face any persecution. The oldest church in the world is in India. It is not in the US or in Europe, it is in Kerala, he said. Singh said India is a country which respects all religions and believes in peaceful existence. Here all 72 sects of Islam live peacefully.
The Home Minister also said that no one can question the patriotism of minorities, even though some of them may feel alienated. Singh said the Government is committed to give facilities to the minorities and to take up developmental projects for their welfare in the country. “Some people may feel alienated. People may feel that proper development of the community is not taking place. For that we have to take appropriate action,” he said.
Addressing the conference, Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla said the Government is committed to address the issue of backwardness, both economic and educational, among the minorities. Minister of State for Minorities Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to the welfare of all minorities.
He said that security, prosperity and education of minorities are important issues before the Government. Naqvi assured that there would be proper utilisation of funds earmarked for minorities’ welfare and that any pilferage would be plugged.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested six people belonging to a Right wing Hindu group in connection with the attack on a cathedral and a church-run school in Jabalpur. In Maharashtra, the Opposition staged a walk-out over the attack on a Navi Mumbai church on Saturday.