By Team Clarion
JAIPUR — The Christian community in Rajasthan has faced renewed attacks following the state government’s enactment of a strict anti-conversion law last month, Christian organisations and human rights activists have said.
The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill was approved on 9 September, imposing stringent rules and severe penalties for alleged forced conversions. Under the new bill, voluntary conversions require the permission of the local authorities, and punishments could involve life imprisonment and fines up to Rs one crore. The law also allows for property confiscation and demolition. All offences are non-bailable.
Human rights activists believe the law will stoke tensions and embolden Hindutva groups to target Christians and community leaders by alleging their abetment to conversion and forcing people to leave Hinduism.
Since the bill’s passage last month, there have already been five attacks, heightening fear and uncertainty in the community, rights activists said.
In one incident on 21 September, some 20 Christians had gathered for a service when Hindutva groups barged in, accusing the pastor of forcibly converting people. The pastor was verbally abused and physically assaulted. The groups also threatened Christians with death unless they renounced their faith. Several were hospitalised.
Christian groups point out that instead of initiating action against those creating chaos, the police arrested and imprisoned the pastor. He was later released but only after the intervention of some lawyers. Right activists allege that no legal action was taken against the attackers.
“After the anti-conversion law was introduced in the state assembly, Hindutva elements have become more active, targeting Christian gatherings and accusing pastors of false conversions,” Shiv Rathod, a local Christian activist was quoted by the media as saying.
When the bill was passed last month, opposition parties walked out in protest, stating it would bring tension and disharmony. Several Christian organisations and leaders have since challenged it, arguing that it contravenes Article 25 of the Constitution, which grants citizens the fundamental right to freedom of religion. Other civic groups have also raised concerns.
“With the passing of this bill, the most vulnerable are the Christians,” explained Shiv. In the last 18 months, more than 150 persecution incidents have been reported in Rajasthan, where pastors have been arrested on false charges of coercive conversion, church services disrupted and many house churches closed, he said.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net.