Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR against a group of Christian missionaries accused of promoting religious conversions in Kathua district by allegedly misleading villagers with promises of relief from poverty and illness.
According to officials, the FIR was filed at Rajbagh Police Station under sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following a written complaint submitted by locals on October 25.
The case remains open against unknown persons but is reportedly linked to those attacked by a group of locals on October 24 over similar allegations of conversion activities.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the region. On Sunday, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) held a peaceful protest in Kathua town, demanding strict action against Christian missionaries allegedly engaged in converting Hindus in remote villages.
“We have no objection to anyone worshipping in churches, but we will not tolerate attempts to convert Hindus by offering inducements,” said VHP leader Mohinder Paul, who led the protest.
This comes days after eight police personnel, including a Sub-Inspector, were suspended for their alleged failure to prevent an attack on a vehicle carrying preachers in the Juthana area of Rajbagh, despite being present at the scene. One of the main accused, a history-sheeter, has been arrested.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohita Sharma confirmed the registration of the FIR and said that further investigation is underway.
The issue of alleged religious conversions in Jammu and Kashmir has surfaced several times in recent years.
Last month, various Hindu organizations held protests in Samba over similar allegations, and earlier in 2011, Pastor C.M. Khanna was booked in Srinagar for allegedly converting locals under inducement.
