PATHANAMHTITTA, INDIA, February 2, 2003: Union Minister of State for Defense and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Rajagopal urged the Kerala government to pass legislation curbing forcible conversions and check what he termed the “onslaught” against Hinduism. Inaugurating the 91st Annual Hindu Matha Parishad at Cherukolpula on the banks of river Pamba here, he said the government was duty bound to protect and preserve the centuries old spiritual traditions. Referring to the recent attack and deportation of evangelist Mr. Joseph Cooper, Rajagopal said the missionary had no authority to preach religion by visiting the country on a tourist visa or cast a slur on Gods worshiped by the local people. India visa requirements state, “Those traveling to India on behalf of a church or for any missionary purpose must complete an additional application form for Missionaries. Processing time for applications is between two-four months.” The Indian Penal Code, Section 1860, makes it a crime to outrage the religious feelings of any class of citizens, or to insult the religion or religious beliefs of any class.
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