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Q:Is the organization called Hindu Yuva Vahini founded by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath creating law and order problems in the name of conversion?

A: “I heard of some law and order problems that took place in Varanasi and Gorakhpur. We have made a representation alerting the Chief Minister and his office of this interference in matters of freedom of religion and private schools. Seven of us bishops met him and expressed our concerns on these two points. We also mentioned about the fear we have as a minority. He assured us that law and order is a priority for him and he will take every step to prevent its violation. Two of his secretaries were present then. He asked the Chief Secretary to report imme-diately to the Chief Minister’s office if anything happens any-where and told us that quick action will be taken. Now, knowing his fundamentalist background, track record of suppressing constitutional gua-rantee of minority rights and previous radical statements, I found him surprisingly moderate and understanding. He said he wants to safeguard the consti-tutional rights of people and promote the policies of the national government. How honest he is, I do not know. We have made an attempt in Lucknow to alert the government. Some representation must be made to uprise the Chief Minister’s office of local problems. Yuva Vahini was a group if ardent supporters formed by Aditya Nath before he became Chief Minister. It is yet another group that calls itself protector of fundamentalist ideas of a Hindu nation. People want to build their political carrier by joining it. Those who take a lead will become heroes and they will gain tickets for the next election. How far the Chief Minister will be able to control the local and rural situations is doubtful. Local governments are leaning towards fundamentalist views. They have removed all moderate IAS officers appointed by the former Chief Minister and placed new people who follow their ideology. It is somewhat like what happened in Nazi Germany. There is some fear in all, and I am also concerned about it. After the elections, we had a meeting of lawyers and women religious of UP region. We have built up a strategy for taking a stand against attacks on minority rights and freedom of religion.”

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