How th Hindutva Nuts work on `ghar wapsi' re-conversions, Identifying `Targets', Generating Funds

Dec 14 2014 : The Times of India (Delhi)
A lot of homework goes into `ghar wapsi'
Eram Agha

Includes Identifying `Targets', Generating Funds
Much planning goes into the “ghar wapsi” programmes conducted by the Dharam Jagran Samiti (DJS). The work is distributed between different Hindu outfits, called “sahyogi sangathan”. While the DJS takes on the task of identifying “targets” who could be brought back into the Hindu fold, other organizations pitch in with calls for donations.

Many of those “targeted” are people whose ancestors were Hindus and who are now Muslims or Christians. There are also those called “ardhvaraya” — people neither here nor there, who celebrate both Eid and Diwali and bear names like Mohan Khan.

Once a target group is identified, the work of generating funds and convincing people to convert begins. The Hindu Jagran Samaj, Bajrang Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad all contribute to the arrangements, says Hathrasbased Bajrang Dal leader Abhishek Ranjan Arya, also the regional security head of his organization, as he gets ready for the December 25 event in Aligarh where the Samiti has announced it will hold a mass conversion in a local college.

“Once the Aligarh ghar wapsi is confirmed, workers will unite for the Bada Din (Christmas Day) conversion.

Our targets are Muslims, Christians and ardhvaryas,” added Anup Varshney of the Hindu Jagran Manch.

But what is the real need for all this expense and effort? “If there is no ghar wapsi, Hindus will go extinct. Hamara ‘the end’ ho jayega, madam,” said Arya, justifying the frequent conversion rituals in the Braj region. Arya says he is now waiting for “higher authorities” to decide on the big December 25 event in Aligarh. Nearly 6,000 people, it is claimed, will be “brought back into the Hindu fold”.

Viri Singh of Kumhari in Hathras was earlier known Viru Khan. Now 38, he says he converted while only 18. He was called an ardhvaraya. “I was brought back to the Hindu fold by an outfit that performed the ritual “shuddhi karan” and made me sign an affidavit of conversion,” he said.

Arya said it is necessary for those converting to sign an affidavit, as the outfits encouraging the conversion are often accused of using force.

Those inducing people to convert make several promises like matrimonial alliances or opening of schools.

These, however, are often just baits, rarely fulfilled.

SEE: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=A-lot-of-homework-goes-into-ghar-wapsi-14122014013018