Attacks on Minorities and a National Debate on Conversions

There is a pattern in the recent attacks on minorities and the use of religion in a political and economic power struggle. But the situations are different. In Gujarat it is an attack on tribal efforts to protect their identity or free themselves from poverty. In Karnataka it is competition between powerful groups. And in Orissa it is division among the subalterns exploited by vested interests. Conversion functions as a convenient tool to divert attention.