Minority groups demand repeal of anti-conversion and cattle slaughter laws in Bengaluru
Organisers at a Freedom Park convention urged the Congress government to fulfil election commitments regarding minority rights and vulnerable communities.
Religious minority groups, Dalit organisations, and human rights activists gathered at Freedom Park on Thursday to demand the repeal of two specific legislations, according to the Deccan Herald.
The convention, organised by the Voice of Minorities and the Oppressed Sections of Karnataka, called for the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, and the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020.
Participants argued that the cattle slaughter law has affected the livelihoods of farmers, cattle traders, and transporters. Organisers also sought the withdrawal of cases registered under the anti-conversion law, citing a June 2023 Cabinet decision to repeal it.
The gathering of approximately 1,500 people included Christian and Muslim religious leaders, civil society representatives, and farmers’ groups. Speakers included Bangalore Archbishop Dr Peter Machado, Jamiat Ulama Karnataka vice-president Mufti R Mohammed Hisain Sab, social activist Shiv Sundar, CPI(M) leader Neela, and Dalit leader Mavalli Shankar.
The convention also called for legal action against hate speech, communal incitement, and mob violence. Participants demanded the protection of constitutional rights, religious freedom, equality, and dignity.
At the conclusion of the event, organisers submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, requesting a time-bound course of action to honour electoral commitments.