Bangalore, Sept 16: Karnataka Chief Minister B S
Yeddyurappa on Tuesday claimed that the attacks on some Christian
prayer halls in the state had taken place in areas where there
was conversion activity.
"The attacks have taken place in areas where there was
conversion activity", Yeddyurappa told reporters after
reviewing the law and order situation at a meeting here. "The
Constitution does not allow (forcible) conversion," he said.
Asserting that those who break the law would be dealt
with sternly, the Chief Minister said the culprits would be
brought to book and stringent action taken against them.
Enraged by publication of a book by the "New Life"
Christian denomination group (which attackers accuse of
engaging in conversion activities), suspected Hindu activists
attacked churches and prayer halls on Sunday.
Police sources said around 170 people have been taken
into custody in connection with the attacks, allegedly carried
out by pro-Hindu groups and Bajrang Dal.
Rejecting the demand for his and home minister V S
Acharya's resignation by some opposition leaders over the
attacks, Yeddyurappa said they were trying to destabilise the
Government.
"Will the UPA government quit office because of terror
strikes?" he asked, and urged opposition parties not to
politicise the issue of attacks, but cooperate with the
Government to handle the situation.
Yeddyurappa also said there was no need for a judicial
inquiry into the attacks as the state police is competent to
investigate and bring the culprits to book.
Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao and DGP R Srikumar also
attended the review meeting.
Bureau Report
