MAPUSA
Lauding Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s firm stand against religious conversions, an assorted group of Hindu outfits on Saturday reiterated its demand for a need to introduce anti-conversion law in the State.
“It’s more important to introduce the anti-conversion law in Goa compared to the other parts of the country. We have faced atrocities during the Portuguese… Inquisition has taken place in Goa. We have asked the CM to bring the anti-conversion law, and he has assured us to fulfil the demand,” said Jayesh Theli, a member of the Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh.
Some members of Hindu outfits met the CM to applaud his stand on religious conversions and his decision to allot Rs 20 crore for the rebuilding of temples that were destroyed by the Portuguese.
“The CM has taken a good stand on religious conversions and we should all back him for the decision. The action on Pastor Domnic shows that the CM means business. He not only talks but takes action,” Theli said while addressing a group of journalists in Mapusa.
According to Vikas Mahale, a resident of Mapusa, a specific anti-conversion law which targets illegal religious conversion has to come.
“The existing law is not enough to tackle illegal religious conversion. A specific anti-conversion is the need of the hour. Those who are saying that special law against religious conversion is not required are doing it to satisfy someone. Illegal conversions are bad and therefore a law is required to curtail this,” Mahale argued.
Other speakers also praised the CM for taking a committed stand against religious conversions in the State.
“Nobody should bring obstacles over CM’s decision to bring the anti-conversion law,” Theli said.
