Vishwa Hindu Parishad Demands Action Over Alleged 'Love Jihad' in Kerala
In a strongly worded press conference held in Kochi, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international organising secretary Milind Parande accused Kerala of transforming into a focal point for what he termed 'love jihad'. He urgently called for intervention from both the central and state governments to address this escalating issue.
Formal Complaint to Centre and Nationwide Concerns
Speaking at the VHP's Pavakkulam office, Parande announced that a formal complaint detailing these allegations would be submitted to the central government. He asserted that there has been a noticeable increase in new strategies of jihad specifically targeting Hindu communities, which are often followed by forced religious conversions. Parande emphasized that this problem has assumed a nationwide scale, with Kerala being identified as one of the most severely impacted regions.
Specific Case Involving Alleged Minor Girl
Parande highlighted a particular case that has raised significant alarm. He referenced an incident involving a girl from a Scheduled Tribe community in Madhya Pradesh, who is alleged to be a minor, traveling to Kerala to marry a Muslim man from Uttar Pradesh. Based on claims made by the girl's parents, Parande alleged that she was abducted. He questioned, "The victim doesn't belong to Kerala, and the man comes from Uttar Pradesh. Why did they feel safe to come here and marry?" This case, according to Parande, exemplifies the broader pattern of exploitation and conversion.
Alleged Insults to Hindu Sentiments During Vishu
Further escalating his criticisms, Parande addressed events during the Vishu festival. He alleged that certain establishments owned by Muslims circulated posters depicting Lord Krishna consuming non-vegetarian food, which he described as an intentional insult to Hindu religious sentiments. He condemned the state government for registering cases against individuals who protested against these posters, arguing that this action suppresses legitimate dissent.
Response to Church Leader's Comments on FCRA
Parande also responded to remarks made by Fr Paul Thelakkadan of the Syro-Malabar Church regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment. The church leader had suggested that Hindu temples accumulate wealth while Christian churches utilize funds for public service. Parande countered that the primary objective of the FCRA bill is to prevent misuse of donations. He alleged that many church-run schools and hospitals across India, including in Kerala, are primarily engaged in religious conversion activities rather than genuine service. "He has the right to criticise the FCRA bill, but there is no need to bring in the name of Hindu temples. Hindu temples are not undertaking any conversion activities, but it is the missionary institutions that are undertaking such illegal activities," Parande stated firmly.
Criticism of Temple Administration and Commission Report
In addition to these allegations, Parande criticized what he perceives as excessive government interference in the administration of Hindu temples. He declared that concerted efforts would be made to liberate temples from state control, advocating for greater autonomy. Supporting this stance, VHP state secretary Anil Vilayil criticized the implementation of the Justice Benjamin Koshy Commission report, alleging that it inadvertently encourages religious conversions by failing to address underlying issues effectively.
The VHP's statements underscore a growing tension in Kerala, with the organization positioning itself as a defender of Hindu interests against perceived threats. The call for governmental action reflects a broader narrative of religious and cultural safeguarding in the region.
