An archbishop in India is denying the accusations of a Hindu nationalist organization that “forced conversions” are taking place in the northern State of Uttar Pradesh.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) – meaning Universal Hindu Council – announced it had identified 30 places in eastern Uttar Pradesh where alleged “forced conversions” by Christian missionaries are taking place.

“I deny this report, that forced conversion is taking place in Uttar Pradesh or anywhere in India. Any conversion is voluntary, and everyone has the freedom to follow the religion of his own choice,” Bishop Gerald John Mathias of Lucknow told Crux.

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous State in India, with nearly 200 million people. However, only about 350,000 Christians live in the state, a miniscule 0.18 percent of the population. By comparison, Christians make up nearly 2.5 percent of the whole of India’s population.

Uttar Pradesh, like the national government, is run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with strong links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a militant Hindu nationalist organization.

The VHP is also one of the many organizations affiliated with the RSS.

Hindu nationalists often accuse Christians of using forceful and surreptitious tactics in pursuing conversions. They then storm into villages and lead “reconversion” ceremonies – called Ghar Vapsi, or “back to home” – in which Christians are compelled to perform Hindu rituals.

Mathias told Crux that “forcing people with organised Ghar Vapsi programs are forced conversion, and this must be stopped.”

In November, Uttar Pradesh proposed an anti-conversion law, imitating several other states in India. Christians say such laws violate India’s secular constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

“Christians in India have constitutional guarantees to practice our faith, share the Good News and the message of Christ, which is for all humanity. This is not conversion nor is anyone forced,” Mathias said.

“I categorically deny the false allegations of forced conversion.”