the goan I network
VASCO
Tense moments prevailed in Vasco on Sunday afternoon after a group of Banjara Samaj members clashed with a group of Believers at the New Jerusalem Church premises on the 2nd floor of the Tilak Maidan Complex in Kharewado over alleged mass conversions of Banjara people.
Though there were no scuffles and injuries, anticipating law and order situation Vasco police, who were called to the site, brought things under control.
According to sources, many members of Banjara Samaj, who had gathered near the Tilak Maidan stadium, claimed some of their people were being lured by Believers with money and goods to get converted.
Many of the women from the Banjara community attended the NJC service thus angering their family members who had arrived on the scene, a source said.
There were heated arguments between the family members and those attending the service. The NJC people also intervened and said no one had the right to stop people from professing any religion. The NJC also refuted allegations that the people were lured by offering money.
While leaving the venue, the Banjaras threatend to take legal action against the NJC for luring poor people from their community to adopting another religion.
Later, speaking to the media, a member of the NJC said no one was offered money to attend the prayer service. “One can find out if we have offered or take money from them.
Speaking to the media, Suresh Rajput of Rashtriya Banjara Samaj said that they would write to the Deputy Collector on the alleged mass conversions taking place in the NJC hall.
“These conversions are happening in NJC hall based in government property. We want to know who has given them permission to operate here. These people, who claim to be Believers, are targeting poor people from our Samaj. They offer them money to attend the prayer meetings and convert,”
said Rajput.
