Will go to any extent to protect minorities: Rajnath Singh on church attacks

New Delhi: While the attacks on churches and other minority institutions continue in various parts of the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said everything will be done to ensure their security.

Commenting on the recent attacks on churches, the Home Minister said, “I will go to any extent to protect minorities. I will do everything to end the sense of insecurity prevailing among minorities.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader made the statements while addressing a conference of state minority commissions which was attended by representatives of various minority communities.

“Whether it is an attack on a temple, mosque or any other religious place, whatever action is required, we will take that strongly,” he said.

Pledging full protection to minorities, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today questioned the practice of conversions and advocated a debate on the need for an anti-conversion law.

He also wanted to know whether people cannot be served without indulging in conversions.

"There are sometimes rumours and controversies about 'Ghar Wapsi' and conversions. Why should there by any conversion at all?

"In other countries it is the minorities which ask for anti-conversion law. Here, we are only saying that there should be an anti-conversion law. There should be debate over it. We must think on bringing anti-conversion law. I humbly request all of you to think over it," Singh said.

The Home Minister's remarks on conversions assume significance in the midst of controversy over anti-conversion campaign undertaken by Hindutva organisations and comments by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding Mother Teresa.

"Why can't we serve the people without doing conversion. Those who want to serve the people should do so without engaged with conversion. Can't we find a solution to the problem.

"The issue was even raised in Parliament. Many people said government should do something about it. But I think society also has a role. Society too has responsibility.

Can't we live without respecting each other's faith. What is the necessity of conversion. Can't a religion survive without involving in conversion," he said.

The Home Minister said he would like to request all state governments to take strongest possible action for the protection of minorities.

The minister was asked to comment on The All India Muslim Personal Law Board's request to the government to safeguard the interests of all citizens including minorities.

"The NDA government led by Narendra Modi is the only government capable of providing the minorities a sense of security and end the sense of insecurity that gained ground among them during Congress rule," he said.

The Board targeted the prime minister on Sunday for his silence on the issue of 'Ghar Wapsi', alleging that Hindu hardliners had stepped up their activities and "anti-Muslim feelings" had gained ground since Modi took power in May 2014.

Rajnath's assurance comes in the wake of recent attacks on churches and other minority institutions in India.

A church was allegedly vandalised in Haryana and an aged nun allegedly raped at a convent in West Bengal in the last fortnight.

A cathedral premises and a Catholic school where people had gathered for a religious convention were vandalised allegedly by Hindu activists at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on March 20.

A catholic church located in New Panvel node of Navi Mumbai was attacked by unknown persons in the wee hours of Saturday.

Also, in the last few months, several churches and a school have been allegedly vandalised in Delhi, prompting Christian groups to demand protection for their institutions and strong action against those involved in such acts.