Conversions put CM Jogi in spot

Says Collector Raigarh Subhod Kumar Singh: ‘‘Yesterday, about 18 people volunteered information about their conversions, in writing.’’

He adds that though those converted have denied coercion, he would make an inquiry before sending the government a report. He claimed only eight families had been converted.

A senior police officer from Raigarh said: ‘‘The conversions happened four days ago but the collector was informed last evening.’’ He added missionaries had been visiting the village for quite a while, providing aid to its 40-odd families.

The Opposition BJP is outraged. ‘‘This is a systematic and highly provocative action and has been going on ever since Jogi became chief minister,’’ alleges Leader of the Opposition Nand Kumar Sai.

State VHP chief Ramesh Modi threatened a statewide agitation. ‘‘Bajrang Dal activists have been asked to organise protests, where conversions have taken place,’’ he said. The government denies knowledge of the conversions. ‘‘Unless the Collector sends his report, we cannot confirm or deny,’’ said an official spokesman.

Agitating over conversions of Sikh families, the Durg Bhilai Kendria Sikh Panchayat has sought the advice of the Sikh Dharma Prachar Committee in Amritsar and Delhi for follow-up action, after members of the community.