Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra promised a strict implementation of the ‘anti-conversion’ law in the state but also clarified that no particular community will be targeted through it.
While speaking to media, he said, “We have not brought the bill targeting any community. Everybody has the right to follow their religion… It’s in the Constitution that there can’t be forced conversions. We have just brought provision for punishment in case it happens.”
Last week, the Karnataka cabinet had decided to promulgate an ordinance to give effect to the contentious law against religious conversions, and it is now before the Governor for his assent.
‘The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill’ was passed by the Legislative Assembly in December last year. However, it is pending for passage in the Legislative Council, where the ruling BJP is one short of majority.
The ordinance, which contains all the elements of the bill passed by the Assembly, will come into effect after the Governor’s assent, and it is likely to remain effective until the government passes the bill in the Legislative Council.
We’ll wait for the memorandum. Nothing will happen immediately, the law will take its own course: Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on rightwing groups claiming Jamia Masjid in Mandya district was originally a temple
Shifting focus to a recent letter by a right-wing group that has claimed the Jamia Masjid in Mandya district, Karnataka is originally a temple, Jnanendra said, “We will wait for the memorandum. Nothing will happen immediately, the law will take its own course.”
Yesterday, a police complaint was filed by the SDPI against several people, including BJP MLAs from Kodagu district and an education institution, alleging arms training was given at Sai Shankar Institute of Education in Ponnampet.
When asked about it, the Karnataka Home Minister said, “Air guns were used in an annual camp in a private school. The camp was conducted for self-defense. Police themselves give training using such guns. If it’s illegal we will take proper action.”
“We will not allow any activity that is against the law,” he added.
