Conversions in Sikkim spiritual terrorism: VHP

Gangtok, April 16:

VHP's international general secretary Pravin Bhai Togadia has claimed that about 33,000 people have been converted to Christianity in Sikkim in the last 25 years and said 'forcible conversion' was akin to 'spiritual terrorism.'

"Sikkim had only a few Christians 25 years ago, but now their number has crossed 33,000. The churches are targeting 'sanatani' Hindus and Buddhists for conversion," Togadia said here yesterday.

Asked on what basis he was quoting the figure, Togadia said it was based on computations made by 47 VHP 'kathakars' (preachers) touring villages in the state to caution people against 'conversion.'

"Let the latest census figures come out, everything will be clear," Togadia, on a two-day visit to Sikkim, said. Attacking Christian missionaries, he termed conversions as 'unconstitutional' and 'punishable offence'.

He alleged that churches were 'targeting' the poor, the illiterate and the down-trodden and destroying the plurality of Indian society. "Changing one's religion by offering a package should not be called religion, but a sale based on political ideologies," the VHP leader added. (PTI)

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