Author: PTI
Publication: The Times of India
Date: September 16, 2008
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Delhi/Karnataka_Govt_orders_probe_into_flow_of_foreign_funds/articleshow/3491040.cms
Facing criticism for the recent spate of attacks
on churches in Karnataka, the BJP government on Tuesday ordered a probe into
the flow of foreign funds to some organisations saying that the money was
being used for converting Hindus into Christianity.
"It has come to the knowledge of the
state government that some organisations are using foreign funds, they are
getting, for conversion of majority Hindus into Christianity," Chief
Minister B S Yeddyurappa charged and declared that such things would not be
allowed.
"In the backdrop of reports about forcible
conversions in parts of the state, which led to attacks on churches, the government
has ordered a scrutiny of such accounts which receive foreign funds for conversion,"
he told reporters after chairing a high-level meeting to review the law and
order situation in the troubled areas.
Attributing conversions as the main reason
for Sunday's attack on churches and prayer halls in parts of two coastal districts
and Malnad region's Chikmagalur, he said he had ordered an enquiry into the
foreign funds that were being deployed for conversions.
Yeddyurappa charged the opposition Congress
and JD(S) with attempting to destabilise his government and also rejected
their demand for a judicial probe into the attack on churches.
He also rejected the opposition demand for
his resignation and that of Home Minister Dr V S Acharya and shot back asking,
"will the UPA government quit office because of terror strikes?"
Yeddyurappa said that the attacks had taken
place in areas where there was conversion activity taking place and said stern
action would be taken against those responsible.
Despite the mounting tension, Mangalore, the
scene of violent protests remained calm on Tuesday and observed a bandh called
by the Sri Ram Sena. Shops, business establishments and educational institutions
remained closed, police said.
They said about 170 persons have been arrested
in connection with the attacks on churches in Mangalore, Udupi and Chikmagalur.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities
extended the prohibitory orders clamped in Mangalore till September 19. On
Sunday, the ban order was imposed for three days.
