The Akhila Karnataka Christha Mahasabha on Tuesday, January 28, demanded the Karnataka state government to withdraw the “false” conversion cases against Christians. They also sought the establishment of an institution along the lines of the Wakf Board to administer properties belonging to the Christian community. These demands were put forth during a convention organised by the Mahasabha in Bengaluru to highlight the concerns of the community.
Speaking at the event, S Murthy, state convenor of the Ahinda Movement, accused the previous BJP government of doing injustice to the Christian community by introducing the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act. The Act implemented in 2022 has resulted in many Christian being booked for allegedly engaging in religious conversions.
“Many false cases have been filed against leaders of the community. We will bring to the notice of the government the cases which are under investigation and urge the government to withdraw them,” Murthy said.
According to an RTI response obtained by The News Minute (TNM), between May 2022 and June 30, 2024, 30 cases were registered under the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, commonly referred to as the anti-conversion law. A significant number of these cases involved alleged attempts to convert individuals to Christianity.
Prajwal Swami S, who founded the Mahasabha five years ago, told TNM that many properties belonging to churches had been sold by unscrupulous people. “These properties were meant for the benefit of Christians for posterity. In many places there are no burial grounds for Christians. We need an institution like the Wakf Board to ensure that such properties continue to benefit generations of Christians,” he said.
Prajwal said that the process to draft a ‘Christian Protection Act’, for an institution along the lines of the Wakf Board was underway.
The other demands of the Mahasabha included the issuing of caste certificates to Dalit Christians so that they can avail benefits under Category 1, establishing a Christian Development Board, construction of Christha Bhavans, cemeteries and churches in each district, and the celebration of Christha Jayanti.
