Bengaluru, Nov 12 (PTI) A section of Muslims and Christians on Thursday staged a demonstration at the Freedom Park demanding the repeal of the anti-conversion law and anti-cattle slaughter law.
They said the anti-conversion law passed in 2023 interfered with religious freedom, while the anti-cattle slaughter law challenged the right to livelihood.
The protest was led by Archbishop Peter Machado under the banner of Voice of Minorities and the Oppressed Sections of Karnataka (VMOSK).
Holding placards, the members raised slogans to press for their demands. Later, they submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office.
The memorandum said that during the 2023 Assembly elections, the Congress made important commitments concerning the withdrawal of laws introduced by the previous Government, the protection of minority rights and the restoration of social justice measures.
"More than three years have elapsed since the present Government assumed office. Yet several important commitments remain unfulfilled, including the repeal of the Freedom of Religion Act, 2022 (anti-conversion law), restoration of 2B reservation for Muslims, effective action against hate speech and crimes, and repeal of the cattle slaughter legislation," it said.
Responding to the demand, Congress state president B K Hariprasad hinted at repealing the laws, which has agitated the minorities.
"Regarding the anti-conversion law, we had given an assurance to some people. In the winter session, we will repeal it. We have given assurances regarding reservation for Muslims under the 2B category (of backward castes), anti-cattle slaughter, anti-conversion law, APMC Act and Land Reforms Act. We are in the government for the next one-and-a-half years. We will fulfil our promises during this period,” Hariprasad told reporters.
