K'taka: Hindu activists stop conversion 'bid', burn religious books

Hindu activists have set fire to Christian religious books in Karnataka's Kolar, alleging conversions by the church in the latest communal attack against Christians in Karnataka.

Kolar (Karnataka): Tension prevailed in Karnataka's Srinivasapura town in Kolar district as Hindu activists stopped Christian missionaries from distributing religious books to the local residents and burnt the religious books and pamphlets, the police said on Sunday. Four persons who were distributing books and pamphlets at a Hindu locality were handed over to the police.

Local residents who gathered at the spot following the incident on Saturday demanded police action to prevent "such conversion bid in future or else they will stage a protest". According to police, the group objected to distribution of books to people. They also alleged that people who came from Chintamani gathered at a house and attempted religious conversion acts.

The police in Srinivasapura have registered a case, and are investigating the matter. So far, the police have not arrested anyone.

The incident which took place ahead of the Karnataka Assembly's Winter Session scheduled to begin from Monday is likely to be raised by the Congress leaders. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is all set to table new law banning forceful religious conversions in the state which is expected to create furore in assembly.

IANS