UP women commission vice chief speaks out against forceful conversion

Gonda (UP), Jul 11 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission Vice Chairperson Aparna Yadav on Friday said that women who have been victims of forced religious conversion should be allowed to return to their original faith, calling it their constitutional right.

"In a free India, the will and faith of every individual must be respected," she told reporters after holding a public hearing on women-related issues during her one-day visit to Gonda district.

"Women who have been victims of forced religious conversion should be allowed to return to their original faith... it is their constitutional right," she said.

Referring to the recent crackdown in Balrampur, Yadav praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for acting against a self-styled preacher and his aides accused of forced religious conversion.

"Using bulldozers to demolish illegal properties of such accused sends a strong message that forced conversions will not be tolerated," she said.

Yadav also lauded the role of intelligence agencies in preventing such activities and said the government's swift action reflects its seriousness.

Reacting sharply to reports that rates are being set for converting women through financial deals, she called it "a deplorable act" and "deeply shameful." "Women are not commodities. Those who think they can exploit them for such purposes must understand that these acts will now face harsh legal consequences," Yadav asserted.

Commenting on the ongoing language row in Maharashtra, Yadav said Hindi is the soul and pride of India.

"Hindi is a language that unites the entire country," she stated, adding that insulting Hindi reflects a "narrow and regressive mindset." PTI COR KIS AMJ AMJ