BJP demands probe into media expose on PFI

New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) The BJP on Wednesday demanded a probe into the expose by a TV channel which claimed that Popular Front of India (PFI) carried out massive coversions in Kerala and said that it raises questions about the authencity of such NGOs.

"Today there are such terror groups in India which are trying to establish Islamic State in Kerala. They are receiving funds from foreign countries and radicalising the people. It is a serious issue and must be probed. It is a matter of serious security concern and action should be taken against the culprits," Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said at a press conference.

Prasad was reacting to an expose by India Today which claimed forceful conversions by PFI in Kerala and said that if adequate evidence comes out, the organisation should be banned.

Asked about whether he wants the issue to be probed by central agencies, Prasad said that the matter could be probed in the way the National Investigation Agency conducted probe against Hurriyat leaders into the foreign funding allegations.

"The expose shows that there is a PFI, the Popular Front of India, which is having an organised racket employing people who are owning it up on the channel that they are creating a radical group by some kind of psychological brainwashing," he said adding that the expose raises concerns about the working of such NGOs.

The senior BJP leader described the alleged massive conversions as "extreme case of radicalisation".

"Anyone who volunteraly wants to convert by choice can do that, but allurement or forced conversions are illegal and a serious concern," he said.

Prasad took on Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and sought his response over the issue.

"Suprisingly Rahul, who speaks on every issue these days, is silent on Hurriyat and Kerala," he said.

The BJP leader also demanded action from Kerala government, saying, "You have been elected to govern. We expect action. You cannot remain silent."

The PFI was formed in 2006 as a successor to the National Democratic Front (NDF) in the form of a federation. It is constituted of Karnataka Forum for Dignity, NDF, and Manitha Neethi Pasarai of Tamil Nadu.