Udupi, Jul 26: The activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal on Saturday July 26 alleged forcible conversions of poor families living in 80 Badagabettu colony here by Christian priests, and urged action in this regard.
The activists said that there are 110 families of migrant labourers, chiefly from Tamil Nadu, and locals staying in the colony. They alleged that out of these, 20 families had been ‘forcibly’ converted to Christianity.
The VHP and Bajrang Dal members also said that the conversions were being done by priests of Udyavar and Korangarapady churches.
“This has been going on from the past one year. Even Ayyappa devotees have been converted to Christianity. There is pressure on other families also to follow suit,” they alleged.
“Earlier the priests used to go around on Thursday nights and knock on doors of these families with an intention to preach. After a police complaint was filed, they started doing the same on Friday mornings. This should stop,” they said.
They also claimed that trees in the area had been cut by Muslims, causing death of snakes.
The protestors handed over a memorandum to Manipal police, urging action against forcible conversion.
Baikady Suprasad Shetty of VHP and Bajrang Dal leader Sunil K R led the protest, which was held at Netajinagar in Manipal. Members of other like-minded organizations were also present.