VHP,BJP intensify stir against Canadian evangelist’s event

Youngren,however,denied the conversion charges,and said he felt “sympathetic” towards those who were opposing him,because “they have wrong information about him.” “I am not here to tell people that one religion is better than the other,” Youngren said.

Earlier,in April this year,the VHP had protested Youngren’s visit at Nagpur also on similar allegations.

Apprehending trouble security has been beefed up at the venue — K P College ground — and at places where Youngren would be staying.

Superintendent of Police (City) Shailesh Yadav said 15 Station Officers from within the district and eight from neighbouring districts have been summoned. “One company of PAC,along with 500 police personnel will be also deployed at the venue,” he added.

The VHP,however,is adamant. “We are strongly opposed to this programme and will do everything possible to get it stopped. Youngren is involved in converting people to Christianity. It can lead to a law and order situation,” said VHP district general secretary Pawan Srivastava

A Dharm Sansad,in which VHP and RSS leaders,along with the local BJP leaders participated,was held at the busy Subhash Chauraha,followed by a procession towards the venue.

BJP city chief Shashi Varshneya said that party leaders participated in Dharm Sansad as “Hindus would not tolerate any attempts of religious conversions.”

Meanwhile,the Allahabad High Court took up for hearing a PIL filed by Akhil Bharatiya Samajik Samarasta Abhiyaan seeking a ban on Youngren’s programme.