Tension in Curchorem over ‘forced conversions’

MARGAO: Instances of alleged forced conversion of Hindus by a religious organization in Curchorem has sparked social tension in the area with the locals demanding that the authorities prevent such organizations from holding meetings in Curchorem and surrounding areas.
Rallying under the banner of Hindu dharma raksha samiti, a recently formed forum established with an objective to oppose forced conversion of Hindus and illegal slaughtering of cows which are considered sacred to Hindus, held a meeting on Sunday demanding that the government take stringent action against the divisive moves of the organization.
Manoj Solanki of the Hindu janjagruti samiti underscored the need of a strong anti-conversion law to prevent forced conversion of people of one faith to another. Leaders of other Hindu organizations also spoke on the occasion denouncing attempts at such forced conversion.
While the speakers urged the authorities not to give permission for such organizations to hold any meetings in the area in the future, they expressed their determination to thwart any attempt at forced conversions and illegal cow slaughter as well.
The meeting was held at Mahadev Devasthan, Cacora, after the Quepem sub-divisional magistrate (officiating) Sudin Natu denied permission to the forum to hold the meeting near the Curchorem railway station, on grounds of anticipation of a law and order problem.