The Karnataka Christa Sanghatane has strongly expressed its outrage over the increasing incidents of false FIRs being filed against Christians by misusing the anti-conversion law currently in force in the state of Karnataka. The organization stated that this situation is affecting religious freedom.
According to the organization, Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. However, due to the currently enforced anti-conversion law, Christians are facing difficulties in exercising these constitutional rights.
In recent times, incidents have been reported where certain individuals enter churches or private homes during prayer meetings, create disturbances, issue death threats, and file false complaints. Although allegations are made that forced conversions or conversions through inducements are taking place, the organization stated that these cases are being registered merely on the basis of verbal accusations without any clear evidence.
Recently, an incident was reported in Haveri district where false FIRs were registered against about 20 people, including 11 women and elderly individuals. Some women were not even present at the location where the alleged incident took place, yet cases have been filed against them. The organization questioned whether this is not a clear misuse of the anti-conversion law.
In some cases, it has been reported that during family prayer gatherings held at homes, family members themselves entered the house along with activists from certain organizations and created disturbances. Although allegations of forced conversions were made, no supporting evidence has been provided. It has also been stated that family disputes or land conflicts may be the underlying reasons behind such complaints.
In this context, the Karnataka Christa Sanghatane has urged the government to take notice of the situation, withdraw the anti-conversion law, and take necessary measures to protect religious freedom.
Furthermore, the organization expressed disappointment that although the Congress government had promised to withdraw the anti-conversion law before coming to power, the promise has not yet been fulfilled, which has caused dissatisfaction among the Christian community.
The organization’s State President, Stany Pinto, warned that if the anti-conversion law is not withdrawn, the Karnataka Christian Organization will be compelled to launch a massive statewide protest to protect religious rights.
During the press conference, State President Stany Pinto, Secretary Shyam, KCS Legal Advisor Salome, and Pastors Basavaraj and Ravi, who are facing the alleged false cases in Haveri district, were present. Also present were representatives from the Protestant Christian Council, including Archbishop Rev. Dr. Vinod M. Chacko, Assistant Archbishop Rev. Sunil V. Jacob, Synod Secretary Bishop Vinail Moses, Bishop Mohan David, Bishop Vinay Kumar, and Bishop Kurubai Nathan.
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