Zeenews Bureau
Bangalore, Sept 17: A day after promising strict action against those responsible for attack on churches in the state, Karantaka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on Wednesday hit out against conversion and said that these won’t be allowed at any cost.
The Chief Minister also rejected demands for a judicial probe into the violence against Christians that has engulfed the state.
Echoing Yeddyurappa’s views, state Home Minister VS Acharya said that everyone is free to practice his or her religion but added that conversion is against Constitution.
Meanwhile, communal violence continues unabated in Karnataka. In fresh incident of violence, a mob attacked a church today damaging property in the Kolar district. The situation is tense and the security has been stepped up.
The New Life Sect has refuted Bajrang Dal accusations that it had circulated pamphlets, which questioned the existence of Hindu Gods. The violence had begun after the pamphlets were distributed.
Yesterday, police cane charged the protesters belonging to fringe Hindu group Shri Ram Sena during the bandh organised by them.
Interestingly, the Bajrang Dal has distanced itself from the bandh and has stated that it has no association with the Shri Ram Sena.
Nearly 40 people have been injured in clashes since Sunday.
On Monday, police burst teargas shells and cane-charged to disperse members of the Christian community, after their protest against attacks on prayer halls in the state allegedly turned violent.
Till now 53 persons have been arrested in connection with attacks on churches.
