PANJIM: In a move that could threaten the communal fabric of the State, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Friday announced that it would welcome a ghar wapsi (home coming) of Goan Christians into the Hindu fold and also expand its organization.
The announcement came ahead of a massive convention at Fatorda stadium scheduled for Sunday.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has slammed the remark saying it would create communal disharmony in the State.
The VHP announcement comes despite Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s assurance to Christian organizations that ghar wapsi would not touch Goa.
At a press conference on Friday, the central functionary of VHP Dada Vedak said they will facilitate the return of Christians – who they claim were forcibly converted during the Portuguese regime – to Hinduism.
“Thousands of Hindus were converted to Christianity by the Portuguese. If they want to come back and contact VHP, we will welcome them with prem (love), respect, mamta (affection) and (samata) equality,” Vedak, who also heads the organization’s ‘Satsang vibhag’, elaborated.
The senior VHP leader denied apprehension that the exercise could trigger differences between the religious groups, maintaining they would not force anyone into Hinduism. “We will not force anyone the way Catholic Church has been doing aggressively. If they want to come (into Hinduism) how can we stop them?” he said.
The VHP’s convention in Goa will see attendance of several lakh members with top central and regional organization leaders addressing the gathering at Fatorda stadium on Sunday. The sammelan will also highlight issues such as banning cow slaughter in the State and the country as well as banning Love Jihad.
He went on to add that several girls from different communities have approached VHP seeking a groom from the Hindu community.
