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Now VHP targets conversions in Sikkim

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's 'international' general secretary, Pravin Togadia, claimed on Sunday that about 33,000 people had been converted to Christianity in Sikkim in the last 25 years and said 'forcible conversion' was akin to 'spiritual terrorism'.

"Sikkim had only a few Christians 25 years ago, but now their number has crossed 33,000. The churches are targeting 'Sanatani' Hindus and Buddhists for conversion," Togadia said in Gangtok.

Asked on what basis he was quoting the figure, Togadia said it was based on computations made by 47 VHP kathakars (preachers) touring villages in the state to caution people against conversions.

"Let the latest census figures come out. Everything will be clear," Togadia, on a two-day visit to the tiny Himalayan state, said.

Attacking Christian missionaries, he termed conversions 'unconstitutional' and claimed that they were a 'punishable offence'.

He alleged that churches were 'targeting' the poor, the illiterate and the downtrodden and destroying the plurality of Indian society.

"Changing one's religion by offering a package should not be called religion, but a sale based on political ideologies," the VHP leader added.

PTI

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