Uttar Pradesh: 50 Dalit families threatened to convert to Islam after being prevented from installing Kali idol in Shiva temple

On the first day of Navratra, Dalits were prevented from installing a Goddess Kali idol in a local Shiva temple. Now they, at least 50 Dalit families from Meerut, are threatening to convert to Islam.

The families held a protest at the district magistrate’s residence in Uttar Pradesh’s Mussourie village. They were complaining about some goons who threatened to beat them if they tried to install the idol.

One of the protestors Rajkumar said “We are Hindus. If we can’t put a goddess idol in a temple then where should we go? It's better to convert”.

Another protestor Kuldeep Kumar said “Nearly all the families who were denied installation of the idol of ‘Maa Kali’ will follow the same route if the district administration does not intervene soon”.

Those who are stopping them from installing the idol has taken over the temple premises for their personal uses. They are parking their cars and tractors there, the villagers alleged.

The news agency ANI UP reported about the development. Its UP twitter handle tweeted “50 Dalit families in Meerut's Incholi threaten to convert after being allegedly denied to put Goddess Kali idol in the village temple by locals. Rajkumar, a protester says 'We are Hindus, if we can't put a goddess idol in a temple then where should we go? its better to convert'”.

Informing about the protest, Additional District Magistrate (Enforcement) Ram Chandra said “Protesters have alleged that they wanted to place an idol in the village temple and they were stopped by other locals. We will investigate the matter. I don't know about the religious conversion demand, the matter will be resolved”.

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