Anti-conversion law draws flak in J’khand

The Raghubar Das government in Jharkhand on Tuesday cleared the draft of an anticonversion bill which discourages conversion to another religion through force or allurement even as opposition, religious groups and tribal activists criticised the move.

The Jharkhand Anti-Conversion bill is likely to be tabled in the upcoming monsoon session of the assembly beginning August 8, home department sources said.

As per the draft, anyone found guilty of forcibly converting ones religion through force or allurement, would be liable for punishment that includes jail term of three years and fine ₹50,000.

Individuals voluntarily opting to switch to another religion would have to inform the local deputy commissioner/collector about the reasons and the place of conversion.

As per the cabinet decision, if forced conversion is found against minor, tribal, SC or woman, the culprit would be liable for imprisonment of up to four years and fine of ₹1 lakh.

Ever since the BJP government came to power with a full majority in December 2014, it has stepped up efforts to check religious conversion, specifically of tribals, who constitute 26% of the state’s total population.

As per the 2011 census, the Christian population in Jharkhand rose by a whopping 29.7% in the last 10 years followed by that of Muslims 28.4%, while Hindu population rose by 21%.

Chief minister Das has voiced his concerns over the conversion of tribals through force or allurement on several occasions.

Christian and pro-Christian tribal groups had then raised objections over the CM’s remarks. “BJP government’s intentions are not good. It wants to divide the tribals to further their political agenda in preparations for the next election,” said Prem Chand Murmu, president of Adivasi Budhijivi Manch.

Opposition has criticised the proposed legislation. “BJP wants to impose the RSS ideology on tribals and further their divide and rule agenda in the state,” said state Congress secretary, Aditya Vikram Jaiswal.

JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said the legislation is aimed at creating friction. “We will oppose the legislation tooth and nail,” he said.