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Rajagopal blames conversion lobby

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUR MARCH 8. The Union Minister of State for Defence, O. Rajagopal, has hinted that an organised religious conversion force might be behind the violent incidents at Muthanga wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad.

Speaking to reporters at the Tirur Guest House here today, Mr. Rajagopal, said that there were enough reasons to suspect that some forces had a definite role to play in the whole episode. An armed struggle might have been the influence of such an organised conversion lobby, he added.

He said that both the LDF and the UDF were to be blamed for sidelining the basic issues of the Adivasis in the State. The Central Government had already asked the State Government to furnish a report on the encroachment upon the sanctuary and the subsequent eviction- operation on February 19.

He said that the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, would visit Muthanga this month to inquire into the police firing at the tribals.

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Stories in this Section

• Muthanga issue: Karunakaran for probe
• Fasting MLA shifted to hospital
• Expert panel to probe mishap
• Conspiracy behind Moozhiyar blast?
• Rajagopal blames conversion lobby
• Repair work on a war-footing
• DYFI protest against Mani turns violent

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