Hindu outfit calls for ‘ghar wapsi’, shows ‘reconverted’ Muslim family

NEW DELHI: Asking Hindus in the state to have more children to tackle the demographic imbalance in future, a Hindutva organisation on Wednesday gave the call of “ghar wapsi” — to “reconvert” Muslims — and presented 14 members of a Muslim family who have ostensibly “returned” to the Hindu fold at a rally in Kolkata. Four members of Hindu Samhati, an outfit established in Bengal about a decade ago, were arrested in the evening for physically assaulting media persons who tried to pose questions to the family after the rally at Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata. Two journalists were injured in the incident. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on scribes and said strong action will be taken against those involved.

Addressing the crowd, Tapan Ghosh, chief adviser of Hindu Samhati, said, “Hussain Ali and his wife Moyna Bibi, as well as 12 family members, have been reconverted. Their ancestors were converted and now we welcome them as Hindus on stage. Earlier we used to do this (conversion) secretly but now we will do this in public.” Emphasising that the family’s address will not be divulged, Ghosh said, “I give a call of ‘ghar wapsi’ [used by Hindutva organisations to refer to conversion from Islam to Hinduism]. When you return, initiate this movement in your districts and blocks — let us welcome all Muslims to Hinduism.”