Indigenous People Forum, Ragailong appealed on Conversion
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 20 2012:
Taking grim note of certain individuals making all out effort for spreading/expanding alien religions through forcible conversion of the indigenous people, indigenous People Forum, Ragailong (Imphal East district) has appealed to the Government of Manipur for appropriate measures to ensure protection of the indigenous people of Manipur.
Speaking to newspersons at Manipur Press Club today, Forum president G Poushing said that some agents of western countries have been taking advantage of the principle of secularism as enshrined in the Constitution of the country and trying to spread non-ethnic religions here in the state.
Highlighting that poor financial position of many families in the rural and remote hill areas are being exploited by these agents with the promise of both monetary and material benefits, he said indigenous tribal people are the most affected section of the society for almost the entire tribal are being exploited by these agents with the promise of both monetary and material benefits, he said indigenous tribal people are the most affected section of the society for almost the entire tribal population have abandoned their respective religious practice and belief/faith, which the forefather had followed.
Further noting that even the majority Meitei people had embraced Hinduism, Poushing pointed out that increasing number of non-Meitei religious structures in the valley pockets testifies growing influence of religious agents.
Stating that in States like Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha (Orissa) and Arunachal Pradesh anti-conversion laws are being enacted, he also informed that movement and activities of missionaries are being closely monitored in Maharashtra where forcible as well as new conversion are prohibited.
Suggesting that failure to pass similar laws in Manipur would endanger the indigenous people, Poushing also desired that NGOs take active part in checking conversion of the indigenous people of Manipur to alien religions.