UCC, law against forced religious conversions in focus at VHP meet

HT Correspondent

HARIDWAR: A uniform civil code (UCC) in the country, stern law against forced religious conversion, and non-interference of government in management of shrines and temples were raised during a meeting of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday. Some religious leaders also expressed concern over violent protests in various parts of the country on Friday against nonsuspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammed.

“Our discussion was predominantly on having uniform civil code in the country, non-interference of government in the management of temples, and a strict legislation against religious conversion by force or luring,” said Swami Kailashanand Giri of Niranjani Akhada. “We want to live with harmony... We hope there will be good outcome from this two-day meeting.”

Acts of violence also need to be discussed by saints as well as by society, he said. “Muslims are most secure in India and they should not take any step that hurts the feelings of followers of other religions.”

The two-day central advisory committee meeting of VHP — a right-wing organisation affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling BJP — commenced at Nishkam Sewa trust ashram in Haridwar on Saturday. “By force or luring, any religious conversion is wrong. Western cultural influence has been affecting our country and society,” said Swami Avdeshanand Giri of the Juna Akhada. “Saints need to guide the society based on moral values, which should also be included in the education system.”

During a television debate on May 28, Nupur Sharma made controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammad. On June 5, the BJP suspended Sharma after row escalated.

SOME RELIGIOUS LEADERS ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER VIOLENT PROTESTS ACROSS COUNTRY