On Tuesday, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said that the Govt. of Haryana will bring a bill against religious conversion by force, inducement or through marriages solemnised for the sole purpose of adopting a new religion.
The Chief Minister said that if needed, the existing cow protection law in Haryana will be made more stringent. Speaking to reporters in Nuh, Mr Khattar said there have been complaints that a handful of people indulge in cow slaughter. There have also been complaints about instances of religious conversion in Nuh.
He said that while one has the right to adopt any religion, conversion by force, inducement, etc. aren't tolerable. The Right to Freedom of Religion Bill will be brought in which there will be provisions against conversion by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, inducement, marriage or any fraudulent means.
The CM said that "Strict action would be taken against those involved in forcible conversions".
Mr Khattar also said a board would be constituted to look after the "religious assets of Hindus in those areas where they are in minority. This work would be done according to the demand of the people of the area concerned".
He said that various steps were being taken by the State Govt for maintaining mutual brotherhood & social harmony among the communities.
The CM said that one issue which sometimes creates wedge & disharmony between 2 communities is when some people indulge in cow slaughter.
He said the State Govt has decided to hold trials against accused in cow slaughtering cases in fast-track Courts in a bid to curb such incidents.
He said that to curb incidents of cow slaughter in Haryana & to take strict & prompt action against the accused, hearings of all such cases would be held in fast-track courts.
Though Haryana has a stringent cow protection law, Khattar said, it does not deter people at times.
"Recently, 2,550 pieces of cow hides were recovered from a village... If needed, amendments would also be made in the Haryana Gau Sanrakshan & Gau Samvardhan Act, 2015, to ensure protection of cows," Mr Khattar said.
Earlier, Mr. Khattar held a meeting with district officials & representatives of various social & religious organisations, a State Govt statement said here.
He appealed to the people that they should continue to maintain social harmony that has been prevalent through the ages by strengthening the spirit of brotherhood.
He said the State Govt plans to set up a unit of the India Reserve Battalion in Nuh district. The IRB battalion based at Gurugram will be shifted to Nuh & a new women IRB battalion will be established in Gurugram.
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