On Xmas, 58 converted to Hinduism in Kerala
At least 58 persons, most of them belonging to Christian families were converted to Hinduism at two temples in Kottayam, Kerala as part of the 'ghar wapsi' (homecoming) programme.
At least 58 persons, most of them belonging to Christian families were converted to Hinduism at two temples in Kottayam, Kerala as part of the "ghar wapsi" (homecoming) programme under the initiative of Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Christmas day.
VHP district president Balachandran Pillai said 42 members belonging to 20 families were converted to Hinduism at the Puthiyakavu Devi temple in Ponkunnam and at Sri Krishna Swamy temple in Thirunakara another 16 were converted.
Pillai said that those who got converted had volunteered and were not under any sort of compulsion.
VHP state president justice M Ramachandran, a former Kerala high court judge, told PTI that "neither the central committee nor the state committee had taken any decision on conversions. But we are not against anyone who comes voluntarily."
The conversions would be discussed at VHP's central committee, which is meeting at Hyderabad from December 28 to 30, Ramachandran, who will also be participating, said.
In an effort to clear the air, VHP state general secretary V Mohan, later issued a statement clarifying that "none were forcibly converted. Those who want to convert to Hinduism on their own will, are only being helped to do so".
Only last Wednesday, eleven had embraced Hinduism near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district. On another similar incident on December 21, a batch of 30 people belonging to eight families of Scheduled Caste Christians were re-converted in the district.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy had said on Wednesday that the situation did not warrant a government intervention. "There is no compulsory conversion or recoversion in the state and it will not take place also. If somebody voluntarily takes any decision, what can the government do".
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