Hindu radicals to protest against Christian orphanage in Himachal

From our correspondent

 

Activists belonging to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Sangh Parivar outfits will hold a sit-in dharna in front of Pastor Behal  orphanage at Kamgra town in Himachal Pradesh on 20 January 2007. The activists are demanding that Pastor Behal and his family along with other Christian workers leave the place and stop all their activities in the town.

 

Pastor Behal is a retired army captain serving the people in Kangra. He runs a children home looking after around 15 orphans. He also has a church and a Bible training centre where around 15 students are studying.

 

The fanatics have accused him of using the children to do various works for him. They are also not happy with the service offered by the Christian institution in the area.

 

It may be recalled that All India Christian Council and other human rights organisations have appealed to the State Government to repeal the Himachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 2006 which was passed on 29 December 2006 at Dharamsala. The Bill bans any forced conversion and the guilty will be punished with imprisonment up to two years and/or a fine Rs 25, 000. The Bill also requires 30 days prior information to the State authorities if any person wants to change his faith which goes against the freedom of religion provided in Article 25 of the Constitution and 18 of UN Universal Declaration.

 

The aicc has appealed to Sonia Gandhi, the President of All India Congress Committee, to use her office to direct the State Government to reverse the controversial Bill.