PM Modi vows to fight 'religious hate crimes' in India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned violence on any religion in his country, vowing to fight hate crimes against minorities.
"I condemn violence against any religion. We will act strongly against such violence," Modi said at a conference organized by Christian groups in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The leader of the ruling Baharatiya Janata Party (BJP) further said that his government had equal respect for all faiths in the country, adding, "My government will not allow any group belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against other communities."
The pledge comes as earlier in December 2014, Indian opposition lawmakers demanded the premier clarify his position on the ongoing forced conversion of Muslims and Christians into Hinduism. The mass conversion of more than 200 Muslims into Hinduism in the city of Agra annoyed many Indian Muslims who believed that Modi’s silence was damaging the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
"Everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence," Modi added, referring to the mass conversions.
Meanwhile, at least five churches have also witnessed vandalism and arson attacks in New Delhi since December. Christians, who account for about 2.5 percent of India’s 1.2-billion-strong population, have condemned the attacks.
Opponents have accused Modi’s Hindu nationalist BJP government of exploiting religious divisions. They say the tactic helped the party secure the largest election victory in three decades in May.
HJM/GHN/HMV
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