Police deploy three vehicles for detaining devout Hindus who went to inspect a place of worship

• Case of a conspiracy to convert Hindus in Shirdhon (Raigad District)

• Police say orders came from Delhi

• Assurance given to accept villagers’ demands

Panvel (Maharashtra) – The “Annual Fellowship and Healing Prayer Meeting” was organised from January 29 to February 1 at ‘The Pentecostal Convention Ground’ in Shirdhon village on the Mumbai–Goa Highway. Suspecting that Hindus from various places were being brought there for prayer and possible conversion, the devout Hindu villagers from Shirdhon went to the venue and questioned the organisers. At that time, the organisers gave evasive answers and told them that they were free to come and inspect the venue. When the villagers reached the venue on the evening of January 31, as many as three Police vehicles arrived on the spot to detain them. Local Police informed the villagers, “We have come to this church ground after receiving direct instructions from Delhi.”

1. When questioned by the Police, the Devout Hindu villagers responded fearlessly: “The organisers themselves invited us to inspect the venue, which is why we are here. We entered after taking permission from the Police deployed at the gate. We had also informed the local Police station in advance that we would be coming here.”

2. The Police then told the villagers, “You have submitted a written memo, so we will look into the matter further. You should not come here now. We are keeping watch.” (Even after Hindus submitted a lawful complaint, the Police did not come to inspect what activities the Christians were carrying out. However, Police were promptly sent—directly from Delhi—to detain the devout Hindus. Will such Police ever stop the conversion of Hindus? They have lost the trust of Hindus! – Editor)

Christians assure acceptance of villagers’ demands on letterhead at Gram Panchayat

Individuals associated with ‘The Pentecostal Mission’ and the organisers of the Annual Fellowship and Healing Meeting assured Devout Hindu villagers that they would provide written assurances on the mission’s letterhead stating:

– No programme would be conducted without the permission of Gram Panchayat

– A list of attendees, including their names and religions, would be provided.

– If villagers suspect religious conversion, they may come and inspect the premises at any time.

Editorial Perspectives

• Hindus must understand who in Delhi is protecting Christians and suppressing Hindus. They must know how far-reaching Christian influence has become.
• Police who arrived swiftly to detain the devout Hindus—why did they not come to arrest Christians when illegal conversions were allegedly taking place here for the past 30 years? They must answer this first. When large-scale conversions of Hindus are taking place, should Hindus not even be allowed to ask questions about it? It wouldn’t be inappropriate if Hindus feel that a Hindu Rashtra is necessary to change this unjust situation imposed upon them?