Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

We won't misuse conversion law: CM

By R. Rajaram

TUTICORIN Feb. 18 . Continuing from where she left off last night, the Chief Minister and AIADMK leader, Jayalalithaa, tonight categorically assured the minorities that her Government would not `misuse' the anti-conversion law.

Addressing an election meeting at Nazareth, a Christian-dominated town in the Sattankulam Assembly constituency, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the legislation was aimed only at "forcible conversions". Like several other laws, it was meant only to protect the people. This law would not affect those who converted out of faith.

At Sattankulam too, the Chief Minister last night picked the same theme and assured the minorities that the law would not affect anyone; there was not need for any fear on this score.

Accompanied by her confidante Sasikalaa, in the campaign vehicle, Ms. Jayalalithaa focussed on the anti-conversion law in many other places.

`Don't get confused'

In an indirect dig at the Opposition parties, she said it was the politicians and those who bore illwill against the AIADMK Government who were trying to confuse the people on this issue. Cautioning the people against getting confused, she assured them that the Government would give full protection to all communities.

In her brief speech at Sattankulam town, where she was given a rousing reception, the Chief Minister said there were a lot of people who were spreading wrong information about the legislation. "Has your life been affected in anyway because of the anti-conversion law?", she asked, in her characteristic question-and-answer format.

There were laws to prevent murder and theft. Only those who committed the crimes needed to fear the law. Likewise, people need not be afraid of the anti-conversion law. Only those who commited mistakes needed to fear, she said.

Making clear the Government's position, the Chief Minister said it would not interfere if someone voluntarily converted to another religion. The people had full freedom to follow any religion of their choice.

Throughout her campaign in the constituency, where Christians form a sizable section, she also harped on the neglect of Sattankulam. The constituency had not benefited from the people's representatives elected till now. It faced a lot of problems. The time had now come for finding a solution.

In several places during her campaign, the Chief Minister was welcomed by drummers and dancers.

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