Date:23/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/23/stories/2008092356260100.htm

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SHRC to visit two affected districts

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission has decided that a full commission, accompanied by the Inspector General of Police of the commission, will visit Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for three days from September 25 where Christian prayer halls have been attacked.

According to an observation made by the commission here on Monday, the decision has been taken after examining a number of complaints that have been received by the commission during the last three days on the issue.

Chairman of the commission S.R. Nayak has, in a copy of the direction sent to the Chief Secretary of the State, stated that Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees that every person in India shall have the right to profess, practise and propagate religion of his choice.

But the freedom of one person cannot encroach upon a similar freedom belonging to others, hence forcible conversion would be in violation of Article 25 and is punishable by law.

Mr. Nayak added that “even assuming that the conversions were taking place it was impermissible for private persons to raid or attack places of worship and damage the properties or harming people.”

The SHRC observed that the Government should take steps to prevent recurrence of the disturbing incidents that took place in several districts in the State on September 14 and 15.