Conversions, a trade in Kashmir?

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Srinagar: The grieving family of Bashir Ahmed Tantray, a Christian convert who was shot in this sleepy Pattan village, is scared after his death.

He had been accused of converting poor Muslims by offering them money and his family denies these allegations and says he was killed for embracing Christianity.

“If Bashir had converted, that was his will. They should have brought him back to Islam by convincing him, not killing him,” says Tantray's brother, Nazir Ahmad

There are close to 2000 families who have converted to Christianity in Kashmir. Christian Evangelists say Kashmiris are joining their faith by choice, and no money or any other form of incentive is offered in return.

“We don't go to ask them to get converted. They come to us and ask us to follow our way and we welcome them. Christian church is not a rich church and we don't have resources. It is a complete misunderstanding. Most people love peace of mind and if they find peace of mind in Christianity, that is what they are looking for,” says pastor of church of North India, Yonathan Paljor.

However, some people allege that converts are given quality education and job opportunities abroad. Like Tantray's children, who are studying in India's best colleges, something that would be hard for him to afford with a salary of Rs 15,000 a month.

Meanwhile, Muslim scholars are not too pleased with the issue.

“If conversions are happening by paying money. It is very wrong. Even Christianity does not allow it,” says Chairman, Jamaitul Ahlihadees, Showkat Ahmad.