Karnataka: Seers warn govt against repealing religious conversion, cow slaughter laws

Mangaluru: A conclave of a group of seers and pontiffs of various Hindu mutts of Dakshina Kannada district has decided to strongly oppose the state government’s move to repeal amendments to the anti-cow slaughter and anti-conversion laws. They urged the government to refrain from making changes to the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act and the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act (Anti Cow Slaughter Act). 

The seers fear that any such move could lead to unrest in the region and other parts of the state.

Prompted by the recent discussions regarding repealing the laws, about ten seers from various mutts held a meeting in Mangaluru on Friday to address the issue and deliberate on future actions.

Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Odiyoor expressed his displeasure over the government’s move.

"The decision would be detrimental to the sentiments of the Hindu community, and we request the government to avoid hurting the community’s beliefs. I am optimistic that the government will not proceed with the decision. If the government is going ahead with the decision, the seers are planning to undertake hunger strike," he said.

Sri Rajashekharananda Swamiji of Vajradehi Mutt said that the government’s move to repeal the laws will be challenged in the Supreme Court to protect the rights and interests of the community.