"Mistake On Both Sides": Karnataka Minister on Attack On Christians

Asked about the attacks by right-wing groups on Christian prayer meetings, Araga Jnanendra said, "There is mistake on both sides. If they were not doing forceful conversion, then they wouldn't be stopping them and creating ruckus".

The series of attacks on Christians in Karnataka is partly their fault, the state's home minister Araga Jnanendra appeared to indicate today, telling NDTV that there is "mistake on both sides". Two days before Christmas, as the state passed the controversial religious conversion bill amid widespread  protests, Mr Jnanendra was asked about the attacks, which Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai has said was meant to avoid the rampant forced conversions in the state.  

Asked about the attacks by right-wing groups on Christian prayer meetings, Mr Jnanendra said, "There is mistake on both sides. If they were not doing forceful conversion, then they wouldn't be stopping them and creating ruckus".

He, however, admitted that there is "no way anyone can take law into their own hands... if a complaint is given, action will be initiated.

Asked if the law and order situation is being disturbed is because of "fringe elements", the minister responded in the negative. "On one hand, yes, fringe elements and on the other hand there are illegal conversions," he said.