Date:04/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/04/stories/2003010406150400.htm

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

`Arrests, a ploy to enforce conversion law'

By Our Special Correspondent

MADURAI JAN. 3. The Indian Union Muslim League has demanded the release of all Muslims arrested recently in Chennai and southern districts.

All these persons were arrested on suspicion "without valid proof", on the charge that they had formed the Muslim Defence Force, the State president, Kader Mohideen, alleged, talking to newsmen here yesterday.

Unlike organisations such as the Jihad Committee, the MDF was "unknown", he said. The charges made against the arrested led one to suspect that the MDF "was a creation of the police and the State Government".

The IUML viewed the recent arrests as a ploy to enforce the anti-conversion law. The spate of arrests created fear in the minds of youth, Mr. Mohideen said.