Srinagar, June 18: Eight persons have been apprehended by Leh Police for their alleged involvement in organised religious conversion-related activities across various parts of Ladakh, officials said on Thursday.Acting on credible inputs regarding suspected proselytisation activities, Leh Police registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.According to officials, the accused are suspected of targeting and recruiting local youth for conversion-related activities in the regions of Zanskar, Changthang and the Aryan Valley.Preliminary investigations suggest that the group had rented a residential property in Leh’s Skampari area, where offices were allegedly operating for the translation, printing and distribution of religious literature. Authorities suspect the premises may also have been used to facilitate conversion-related activities.As part of the ongoing crackdown, police have seized multiple laptops, digital devices and other materials believed to be linked to the operation.Officials said investigators are examining the scale of the network, its activities across Ladakh, and potential financial transactions, including a possible foreign funding angle. Authorities are also working to establish whether the group had links beyond the Union Territory.Police have urged the public to maintain calm, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avoid sharing unverified information while the investigation remains underway.BackgroundReligious conversion has historically been a sensitive issue in Ladakh’s socio-political landscape. Allegations of conversion activities have, in the past, contributed to tensions between Leh and Kargil districts. However, since Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in 2019, public discourse has increasingly focused on constitutional safeguards, land rights, employment opportunities and political representation.
Leave a Reply