Various organisations have demanded a ban on a programme to be organised at a church at Behrampur Bet village in this district on February 26 and 27 alleging that the programme is being organised to hold conversions.
The representatives of these organisations, including Youth Aggarwal Sabha, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Ram Lila Committee, SS Jain Sabha, Mahavir Dal, Gau Raksha Dal, Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, Gopal Gaushala, Balmik Sabha and Bharat Vikas Parishad, submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police.
They alleged that Sikhs and Hindus are being converted to Christianity through allurements and by offering money.
These organisations said that this year also, such a programme is being organised, which should be banned keeping in view the sentiments of people and for maintaining a congenial atmosphere.
On the other hand, the organiser of the event, Pastor Norman Gray, refuted the allegation that the event was being organised for the purpose of conversion.
He said it would be a normal worship service and had nothing to do with conversion, adding that anybody could come and see the proceedings. He said every community is free to organise its religious programmes as per its beliefs. He said many such programmes were organised in Chandigarh and there was no opposition there.
SSP Varinder Paul Singh said they had told the organisers not to indulge in any objectionable activity, adding that the programme would be videographed.