A day after Madhya Pradesh government approved an ordinance against forced religious conversions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said that the practice of mass conversions should stop and that he doesn’t approve of conversion for marriage.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Singh said, “Want to ask why there should be conversion. The practice of mass conversions should stop. As far as I know, in the Muslim religion, one can’t marry someone from another religion. I personally don’t approve of conversion for marriage.”
“In many cases, it has been seen that religious conversion is being done forcefully. There is a huge difference between natural marriage and forceful conversion for marriage. I think governments which made these laws, have considered all these things,” he added.
During the interview, the Defence Minister also touched up on several issues including the LAC situation, the new farm laws and the protests against it.
Calling farmers “annadatas” and “backbone of the economy,” Singh strongly disapproved of remarks such as “Naxals” or “Khalistanis” and said “allegations should not be made by anyone” against them. “These allegations should not be made by anyone against farmers.
“We express our deepest respect towards our farmers. Our heads bow in deference and respect towards our farmers. They are our ‘annadatas’. In the time of economic recession, the farmers have borne the responsibility of taking the economy out of trouble. They are the economy’s backbone. They have taken the country out of troubled waters on several occasions,” Singh told ANI.
He also said that the farm laws have been made in the interest of farmers and the protesting farmers should see their implementation for two years and engage in a “logical debate” with the government. Asserting that the government will find a solution to the issues, Singh said, “Some forces have tried to create some misperceptions amongst farmers. We have also talked to several farmers. My only request to farmers is that clause-wise discussion based on logic should be done and not seek ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
We will find a resolution to the problem. I have myself seen the laws and I am aware of the problems of the farmers. The farmers should at least see the implementation of these laws for two years as an experiment. We will be ready to make necessary amendments if there is a need. If the farmers want experts to talk with the government for amendment in certain clauses, we are entirely flexible.”
“There is no question of being insensitive as far as the subject of farmers is concerned. Our farmers are holding demonstrations and I am not the only one pained. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pained as well,” he added.
Source: Indian Express
