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N Sathiya Moorthy in Chennai
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Friday defended the ordinance banning forcible conversions promulgated last weekend by Governor P S Ramamohan Rao.
Describing the protests against the law as 'knee-jerk reactions', she said the ordinance sought to protect the weaker sections from exploitation. She promised the law would not encroach upon the freedom of the minority communities.
"The ordinance is not directed against any particular religion, least of all any minority religion. It is directed against the use of fraudulent means, allurement and force in enticing individuals into changing their religious denomination against their will," she said.
Pointing out that a 'simple reading' of the ordinance will clearly show that it contains no reference to any particular religion, Jayalalitha said, "It recognises and provides for action to be taken to arrest disturbing trends found in various parts of the state."
"Such instances," she said, " were reported and documented."
Meanwhile, the United Minorities' Forum called for a protest closure of minority educational institutions in the state on October 24, when rallies would also be taken out in various parts of the state. The Tamil Nadu assembly reconvenes on October 24.
ALSO SEE: Congress, BJP sharpen knives on the conversion issue VHP welcomes TN ordinance banning forcible coversions
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